The Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, yesterday heard how N342.5 million was allegedly transferred by a worker of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Ekene Nwakuche, into the account of a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, Chima Anyasor
The witness, who was led in evidence by EFCC prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said the payments were made between February and June 2015, but from the ‘National Maritime Authority (NMA)’.
He named his companies as Jeo Bureau de Change, ADA CDA Global Resources Ltd, Caadex Oil and Gas Ltd and a hotel.
Anyasor testified during the continuation of trial in the case of the former NIMASA Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi, and six others – Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd, who are being tried on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing. They are accused of stealing N754.7 million
Anyasor told the court that he had no contract with NIMASA but was able to receive these monies because he had a relationship with the third defendant, Nwakuche.
He said Nwakuche told him in 2015 that his company (NIMASA) was sourcing for dollars.
“A few days after that, he sent an SMS that some money had been paid into my account”.
The witness said on February 27, 2015, he received a total of N111.5 million in his account and another N140 million between June 17 and 18 2015. He said N91 million was transferred into his account and that on March 3, 2015, he transferred N20 million into the account of the second defendant, Captain Ezekiel.
“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 second defendant from Nwakuche.”
During cross examination, Anyasor admitted that he neither knew Akpobolokemi nor why he was facing trial.
“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.”