‘I withdrew monies from my account after NIMASA credited it’

THE fifth prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Emeka Emenalo, yesterday told a Federal High Court, Lagos that he withdrew several sums of money from his company account within the period his account was credited by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The witness, who had earlier testified that NIMASA transferred about N72 million to his account for rendering no service, also testified that he did not personally benefit from the proceeds of the alleged crime.

But under cross-examination yesterday by counsel to third defendants, Lanre Olayinka, the witness admitted making several withdrawals from the account.

He, however, explained that there were other cash inflow into his account during the period.

Counsel to the fourth and sixth defendants, Ige Asemudara and Seni Adio respectively cross-examined him and queried the veracity of his testimony going by the transfers he made to his sister known as Ifeoma and brother, Uche Emenalo.

Examining his account statement, which was tendered before the court as exhibit, the witness said he transferred N700,000 to his sister and N20 million to his brother on March 6, 2015 among other transfers.

The witness, who had introduced himself as sole proprietor of O2 Services Plus Nigeria Limited, made the statement at the resumed trial of the immediate past Director General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi and others.

He (Akpobolokemi) was charged by EFCC together with six others on 22 counts bordering on allegations of conversion and theft to the tune of N2.6 billion.

Apart from Akpobolokemi, the other accused are Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan – and three companies, namely Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited.

They are facing trial before Justice Ibrahim Buba and had all pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against them.

The EFCC said the alleged offences contravened the provisions of sections 15 (1), 15 (3), and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2012.

Further proceedings have been adjourned to Friday.