A witness, One Chima Anyasor, today informed an Igbosere High Court of Lagos, that between February 2015 and June 2015, a total sum of N342. 5 million was transferred into two of his companies accounts from National Maritime Authority.

Anyasor, a Bureau de Change operator and an oil and gas operator, stated this while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo.

The witness who gave his companies’ name as: Jeo Bureau de Change, ADA CDA Global Resources Limited, Caadex Oil and Gas Limited and a hotel.

He gave this evidence during the continuation of trial in the criminal case against the former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi and six others, who were charged before the court over alleged stealing of N754.7 million.

Akpobolokemi and other defendants in the matter who includes: Captain Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited, are standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing.

They are being arraigned by the EFCC.

At today’s proceedings, Anyasor imformed the court that he had no contract with NIMASA, but was able to receive these monies because, he had a relationship with one of the accused, Nwakuche in particular.

He told the court that sometime in 2015, Nwakuche approached him and told him that his company (NIMASA) was sourcing for dollars.

He said: “a few days after my discussion with Nwakuche, he sent an SMS that some amounts have been paid into my account.”

The witness further told the court that on February 27, 2015, that he received a total sum of N111.5 million in his account. While another sum of He said that another sum of N140 million was paid into his account between June 17 to 18, 2015.

He also stated that the sum of N91 million was transfered into his account.

Anyasor, told the court that on March 3, 2015, he transfered a total sum of N20 million into the second accused’s account.

“On March 4, 2015, I transferred N10 million into the account of one Blocks and stones industry.
“I transferred these monies from the N91 million and I got the accounts of the third accused from Nwakuche,” he said.

During cross examination the witness admitted that he does not know Akpobolokemi and had no idea why the accused where standing trial.

He also told the court that, “I don’t know what the monies which were transferred to my company’s account were meant for.

“I considered the transaction I engaged in to be a normal course of business. I have been friends with Nwakuche and I consider him trustworthy, that was why I engaged in the transactions with him, and I didn’t consider issuing receipts to him concerning all the transactions,” the witness said.

Justice Raliat Adebiyi however, adjourned the case till June 1 for continuation of trial.http://thestreetreporters.com/?p=5609