The absence of Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on Wednesday stalled
continuation of trial at a Federal High Court, Lagos, of a former
Acting Director-General of NIMASA, Calistus Obi, charged with N136m
fraud.
On Wednesday at the resumed trial of the case, all the accused
were present in court, but the case which was slated for
continuation of trial at noon, was eventually called off following
the judge’s absence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had slammed eight
counts on Obi, who was a former Executive Director, and later,
acting D-G of the agency.
He was charged alongside Alu Dismas, who was aide to a former
D-G of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail
in the sum of N5m each, with sureties each in like sum.
At the last adjournment on February 26, the defence had called
on the first accused (Obi) to give evidence in the case as a
defence witness.
After his evidence, the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, had
commenced cross-examination of the defence witness before the court
adjourned for continuation of trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the
EFCC had closed its case on January 31, 2017, while the defence
filed a no-case submission.
The court, however, dismissed the no-case submission on February
21, 2017, and ordered the defence to open its case.
The accused persons were alleged to have committed the offences
on August 5, 2014.
According to the EFCC, they conspired to convert the money,
property of NIMASA, knowing full well that the money was proceeds
of stealing.
The offences contravened sections 15 and 18(a) of the Money
Laundering (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Act, 2012.
Continuation of trial has been fixed for March 8. (NAN)
The absence of Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on Wednesday stalled
continuation of trial at a Federal High Court, Lagos, of a former
Acting Director-General of NIMASA, Calistus Obi, charged with N136m
fraud.
On Wednesday at the resumed trial of the case, all the accused
were present in court, but the case which was slated for
continuation of trial at noon, was eventually called off following
the judge’s absence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had slammed eight
counts on Obi, who was a former Executive Director, and later,
acting D-G of the agency.
He was charged alongside Alu Dismas, who was aide to a former
D-G of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail
in the sum of N5m each, with sureties each in like sum.
At the last adjournment on February 26, the defence had called
on the first accused (Obi) to give evidence in the case as a
defence witness.
After his evidence, the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, had
commenced cross-examination of the defence witness before the court
adjourned for continuation of trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the
EFCC had closed its case on January 31, 2017, while the defence
filed a no-case submission.
The court, however, dismissed the no-case submission on February
21, 2017, and ordered the defence to open its case.
The accused persons were alleged to have committed the offences
on August 5, 2014.
According to the EFCC, they conspired to convert the money,
property of NIMASA, knowing full well that the money was proceeds
of stealing.
The offences contravened sections 15 and 18(a) of the Money
Laundering (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Act, 2012.
Continuation of trial has been fixed for March 8. (NAN)
Read more https://nairalaw.com/alleged-n136m-fraud-judges-absence-stalls-trial-of-ex-nimasa-boss/