The embattled immediate past Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi has challenged the jurisdiction of the Lagos State High Court to entertain the allegations of stealing preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He told a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere on Monday through his counsel Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), that under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, only the Federal High Court has authority to try anyone for the offences he is being accused of. Akpobolokemi and six others were arraigned on January 25, before Justice Adebiyi Raliat at a Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, on a 13-count charge bordering on the stealing of N754, 740,680 million belonging to NIMASA.
They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. His co-defendants are Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Amechee Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd.
