I Delivered $15m Cash to Ex-NIMASA Boss- Witness
By Ranti Thomas
A witness in the ongoing fraud trial of former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that he personally delivered $15 million in cash to the former agency boss.
The witness, Ezekiel Bala‑Agaba, made the statement while testifying before Justice Ayokunle Faji during the continuation of the alleged N1.2 billion fraud trial.
Agaba, who appeared as the 15th prosecution witness, told the court that the money was part of funds meant for pipeline surveillance.
He said the money was withdrawn from NIMASA’s accounts and taken to a Bureau de Change where it was converted into $15 million.
According to him, the dollars were later brought to the NIMASA office on Burma Road in Apapa, Lagos.
The witness explained that he asked his personal assistant, Ekene Nwakuche, to carry the bag containing the cash and follow him to the Director-General’s office.
Agaba said he collected the bag from his aide at the entrance and entered the office where he personally handed over the $15 million to Akpobolokemi.
He also told the court that he previously served as Director of Maritime Security and Safety and chaired the agency’s Intelligence Committee.
Agaba said the committee handled certain security-related operations and reported directly to the Director-General.
The trial judge later adjourned the case until April 22 and 23 for continuation of hearing after the testimony.