The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Maritime administration and Safety Agency

  • Niger Delta: Every part of the country matters – Osinbajo

    Niger Delta: Every part of the country matters – Osinbajo

    VICE President Yemi Osinbajo assured that Niger Delta people will benefit maximally from the wealth and natural resources of their land.

    He said every part of the country mattered to the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    Osinbajo spoke yesterday on Bonny Island, the headquarters of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State while inaugurating the construction of the strategic 40-kilometre Bonny-Bodo-Ogoni Road, conceived by the Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s regime but abandoned.

    The road is to be jointly financed by the Federal Government and the Bonny-based Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Company Limited.

    The vice president, who arrived Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa at 12:05 p.m., was accompanied by Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola; senator representing Rivers Southeast Senator Magnus Abe and Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr Dakuku Peterside.

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade received Prof. Osinbajo at the airport with Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) Chief Kenneth Kobani.

    In Bonny, Osinbajo said: “November 1 will make it exactly one year after Niger Delta leaders, under the aegis of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) met with President Muhammadu Buhari, where he discussed the new vision of his administration with them.

    “On my own part, I have toured many Niger Delta communities to tell them about the new vision of the present administration, ably led by President Buhari.

    Yemi Osinbajo at Niger Delta
    Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo was welcomed by Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade at the Airport

    “Under the new vision, the people of Niger Delta will benefit maximally from the wealth that comes from their land. Every part of Nigeria matters to us as a government. What this country produces will be enough for all of us, if we manage the resources prudently.”

    The vice president also stated that the new road would create jobs in and around Bonny and Bodo communities.

    He said: “This road will create jobs for engineers, it will create jobs for artisans and it will create jobs for food vendors. The construction of this road will transform a lot of lives in and around Bonny and Bodo communities.

    “The construction of this road will alleviate the suffering of many travellers to and from Bonny Island. I rejoice with the people of Bonny and Bodo over the flag-off of the construction of this road project.”

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike reiterated that over the years, residents of Bonny were yearning for the construction of the road to link the coastal community with the upland areas of the state.

    Wike was represented by Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry-Banigo.

    Fashola said: “This 40-kilometre Bonny-Bodo Road will have three bridges in between. A 1,000-metre bridge will across Ogbogbo Creek, a 640-metre bridge will be against Nabie Creek, and a 550-metre bridge will be against the Ake Creek.”

  • NIMASA to build new offices in Eastern Ports

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Tuesday says it will soon build new offices in Port Harcourt, Onne and Warri to decongest offices in its eastern operational zone.

    Dr Dakuku Peterside, Director-General of NIMASA, made this known when he visited offices of the agency in Port Harcourt, Onne and Warri ports.

    According to Peterside, the Board of Directors has approved the buildings because the welfare of staff was paramount to the agency.

    The Chairman of the board, retired Maj-Gen. Jonathan Garba urged the staff to be more committed to their duties.

    “In spite of the challenges you face, I am happy you still work very hard to generate revenue.

    “But I urge you to work harder to justify the confidence the government has in you.

    “Besides, staff will be trained because training is very important for NIMASA staff to meet international best practices,’’ Garba said.

    Garba assured of yearly promotion for those who were due, and urged the workers to commit themselves to their duties.

    The Director, Eastern Zone of NIMASA, Mr Hassan Yakub appealed for adequate budgetary provisions and strict implementation.

    Yakub called for improvement of facilities in some out-stations like Bonny, Brass and Eket, and for regular training on vessel boarding and provision of insurance cover for staff.

  • NIMASA: N324.5m moved to BDC operator’s accounts – Witness

    The Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, Wednesday heard how a total of N342.5 million was allegedly transferred by a Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) staff into the accounts of a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator.

    The BDC operator, Chima Anyasor, testified Wednesday before Justice Raliat Adebiyi that the N342.5m was paid into two of his companies’ accounts through NIMASA official, Ekene Nwakuche.

    The witness, who was led in evidence by EFCC prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, said the payments were made between February 2015 and June 2015, but from the ‘National Maritime Authority (NMA)’.

    He mentioned the name of his companies as Jeo Bureau de Change, ADA CDA Global Resources Ltd, Caadex Oil and Gas Ltd and a hotel.

    Anyasor gave his testimony during the continuation of trial in the case of the former NIMASA Director-General (D-G) Patrick Akpobolokemi and six others, accused of stealing N754.7 million.

    Akpobolokemi is standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd.

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

    “A few days after my discussion with Nwakuche, he sent an SMS that some money had been paid into my account,” Anyasor stated.

    The witness told the court that on February 27, 2015, he received a total sum of N111.5 million in his account.

    He stated that another sum of N140 million was paid into his account between June 17 and 18, 2015.

    The witness also said that the sum of N91 million was transferred into his account and that on March 3, 2015, he transferred a total sum of N20 million into the second defendant, Captain Ezekiel Agaba’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 second defendant from Nwakuche,” he said.

    During cross examination the witness admitted that he neither knew Akpobolokemi and 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.

    “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 the transactions,” the witness said.

    Justice Adebiyi adjourned the case till June 1 for continuation of trial.

     

  • Tompolo files fresh application to halt trial

    Tompolo files fresh application to halt trial

    A former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to nullify sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 which he said violated his constitutional rights.

    He is seeking an order “nullifying, voiding, striking down and expunging sections 221 and 306 from the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to the extent of their inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution.”

    Section 221 says: “Objections shall not be taken or entertained during proceedings or trial on the ground of an imperfect or erroneous charge.”

    Section 306 says: “An application for stay of proceedings in respect of a criminal matter before a court shall not be entertained.”

    Tompolo is contending that the sections are unconstitutional because they seek to prevent the court from exercising its jurisdiction to entertain any objection to a criminal charge and an application for a stay of proceedings pending appeal.

    He is, thus, asking the court to stop his trial until the determination of these issues.

    The Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff are the respondents.

    EFCC, on March 22, arraigned Tompolo in absentia over N34billion fraud after he failed to turn up despite being declared wanted. He was said to be “at large”.

    He was charged along with a former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and Kemi Engozu.

    EFCC, in the 40-count charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, said they allegedly diverted N34 billion for personal use, adding that the money accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo.

    Before then, Justice Buba had, on January 14, issued a warrant for Tompolo’s arrest. But Tompolo, on January 27, filed an application to set the warrant aside. On February 8, Justice Buba dismissed the application. Tompolo thereafter appealed the ruling on February 18.

    In the fresh application filed through his lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Tompolo is praying the court to declare that Section 221 of the ACJA constitutes a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing as guaranteed under Sections 36(1), (4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution.

    He said the Act “seeks to be an absolute bar to any objection to a criminal charge or information, already filed” against him and others.

    He also wants the court to hold that the AGF and EFCC are not entitled to deploy, use, cite or in any other manner rely on sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA in the prosecution of any criminal charge or information against him and others in any manner that will constitute a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing.

    He is seeking an injunction restraining the respondents from filing, prosecuting or further prosecuting any criminal charge or information against him and others, the prosecution of which may constitute a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to fair hearing as guaranteed by sections 36(1), (4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution and Article VII of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    No date has been fixed for the new case.

    Another charge bordering on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7billion is still pending against Tompolo before Justice Buba.

    The judge had adjounrned until April 18 for Tompolo’s arraignment on the 22-count charge.

  • Alleged N34b fraud: EFCC arraigns Tompolo in absentia

    Alleged N34b fraud: EFCC arraigns Tompolo in absentia

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Tuesday arraigned a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) at the Federal High Court in Lagos in Lagos in absentia over N34billion fraud.

    He was charged along with a former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General Patrick Akpobolokemi; Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited and Kemi Engozu.

    Others are Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Limited, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

    EFCC, in the 40-count charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, said the suspects allegedly diverted N34 billion for personal use.

    It alleged the money accrued from the public private partnership agreement between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist, said to be owned by Tompolo.

    The alleged offence contravenes Section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    Count one reads: “That you, Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo) now at large, Patrick Akpobolokemi, Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd, in 2012 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: Conversion of the sums of N601,516.13 and $1,766,428.62, property of NIMASA, knowing that the said sums were proceeds of stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable  under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

    The defendants, who were all present except Tompolo, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    Tompolo will be arraigned on another 22-count charge also pending before Justice Buba, who adjourned it until April 18. It borders on stealing, advanced fee fraud and money laundering involving about N22.7billion.

    In the pending charge, Tompolo will face trial along with Akpobolokemi, whose four brothers – Victor, Nobert, Emmanuel and Clement – said to be at large, were said to have aided the suspects to commit the fraud.

    They were accused of converting various sums running into over N22.7billion stolen from NIMASA to their personal use between December 12, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba had, on February 8, directed security agencies to arrest Tompolo and held that the warrant of arrest issued for his arrest still subsists.

    Tompolo’s lead counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), had sought to set aside the warrant of arrest, but the judge dismissed the application and re-issued a fresh warrant for Tompolo’s arrest.

    The judge subsequently granted EFCC’s application empowering it to seize all Tompolo’s traceable assets pending his arrest or appearance in court for arraignment. The properties will be auctioned after three months beginning from February 19 when the order was made should Tompolo refuse to turn up, the judge ordered.

    Tompolo appealed the order for his arrest and prayed the appellate court to order the transfer of his case from Justice Buba to another judge.

    His lawyers are urging the Court of Appeal to set aside the warrant of arrest on the basis that Justice Buba erred in law in refusing to nullify it.

    EFCC lawyer Festus Keyamo told reporters yesterday that Tompolo would stand trial whenever he is arrested. He said security agencies are on his trail.

    “It is the duty of the security forces and‎ they are still making efforts to get him. He’s on the run and he cannot continue to be on the run for ever. We will get him,” Keyamo said.

    The other defendants’ lawyers urged Justice Buba to grant them bail in the most liberal terms. Keyamo said since some of the accused persons were already on bail in another charge before the court, they should be granted bail on conditions that would ensure their attendance in court.

    Justice Buba, therefore, granted the defendants N50 million bail with one reliable surety in like sum. Enisuoh‎ was granted bail for N10million with one surety.

    “The defendants who are already on bail are to perfect their bail conditions within 24 hours or be remanded in prison. Those appearing before me for the first time should perfect their bail conditions today or be remanded in prison,” Justice Buba ruled.

    He adjourned until May 23, 24, 25, and 26 for trial.

     

  • FG appoints Peterside as DG NIMASA

    FG appoints Peterside as DG NIMASA

    The Federal Government on Thursday appointed Dr Dakuku Peterside as the Director General of Nigerian Maritime administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    A statement signed by Yetunde Sonaike, the Director, Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation in Abuja said that the appointment was with immediate effect.

    Peterside was the governorship candidate of APC in April.11, 2015 governorship election in River state and also a former member, House of Representative from 2011 to 2015.

    According to the statement, Peterside has a Doctorate Degree in Management Science from the University of Port Harcourt and MBA in Business Administration.

    He also holds a Bachelor Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.MLS) in Hematology from Rivers State University of Science and Technology.