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For doing nothing, NIMASA paid N97m into my account – Wakili Daudu

Patrick Akpobolokemi and five others are tried for N2.3bn fraud

Patrick Akpobolokemi and five others are tried for N2.3bn fraud

A Bureau-de-Change operator, Wakili Daudu, on Monday told a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere how N97.1 million was paid into his account by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) without executing any contract for the agency.

Daudu, who spoke through an interpreter, said this at the ongoing trial of former Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Apobolokemi, and six others.

NAN reports that Akpobolokemi was araigned alongside Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Amechee Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoeni and a company — Gama Maine Nigeria Ltd.

The accused were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing N754.7 million meant for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member- State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS).

Daudu, a prosecution witness, was led in evidence by Mr Rotimi Oyedipo before Justice Raliat Adebiyi.

He said he was contacted by a man, Mohammed Darlington, who told him that his boss, Ezekiel Agaba wanted to change some money into dollars.

The witness said that on Oct. 30, 2014 the sum of N35.7 million was paid into his account by Darlington, who claimed to be working for the second accused.

He further stated that on the same day, the sum of N61.4 million was also paid into his account.

Daudu said the money was changed into dollars and handed over to Darlington.

Adebiyi adjourned the case till May 10 for continuation of trial.

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