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Money laundering

Jun 7, 2025

FRN vs Patrick Akpobolokemi (Former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency) & 4 others

Patrick Akpobolokemi
& 4 others

N2,600,000,000
Amount allegedly laundered

Case Summary
The defendants are facing trial for allegedly diverting the sum of N2.6bn from the covers of NIMASA between December 2013 and May 2015 to their personal use.

910
Day(s) case tried in court

Case Update
The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in a unanimous decision led by Hon. Justice Yargatta Nimpar overruled the decision of Federal High Court, Lagos which on October 16, 2017 dismissed a no-case submission filed by the first defendant. The court further discharged and acquitted the defendant of all criminal charges in the matter. The Prosecution therefater withdrew charges against the other defendants.

Hon. Justice I. N. Buba
Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - violated

Case Information

Patrick Akpobolokemi & 4 others

Presiding Judge & Designated Court

Hon. Justice I. N. Buba, Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos

Nature and Number of Charges

40-count charge bordering on money laundering and stealing

Date of 1st Arraignment

Dec 4, 2015

Summary of Case

The defendants are facing trial for allegedly diverting the sum of N2.6bn from the covers of NIMASA between December 2013 and May 2015 to their personal use.

Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment

1. Patrick Akpobolokemi (Former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency) – Not guilty

2. Ekene Nwakuche – Not guilty

3. Governor Amechee Juan – Not guilty

4. Blockz and Stonz Limited (Company) – Not guilty

5. Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited (Company) – Not guilty

Defence Counsel(s)

1. Joseph Nwobike (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)

2. Ideho Onyeke (Lawyer)

3. Lanre Olayinka (Lawyer)

4. A. I. Asemundara

Prosecuting Agency

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Prosecutor(s)

1. Rotimi Oyedepo (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)

Status of Case

Decided

Decision

Discharged and Acquitted

Length of Trial

910 day(s)

ACJA/ACJL Compliance

Violated

Court Decision

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in a unanimous decision led by Hon. Justice Yargatta Nimpar overruled the decision of Federal High Court, Lagos which on October 16, 2017 dismissed a no-case submission filed by the first defendant. The court further discharged and acquitted the defendant of all criminal charges in the matter. The Prosecution therefater withdrew charges against the other defendants.