Ex-NIMASA AG. DG, Obi, Sentenced to 7 Years Imprisonment
The Federal High Court Monday sentenced the former Ag. Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Mr. Calistus Obi, to seven years imprisonment over N225m fraud.
Obi was convicted along with another staff of NIMASA, Mr. Dismal Alu for the same offence.
Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in his judgement said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which filed the case against the two proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The two have been standing trial with two other firms, Grand Pact Limited and Global Sea Investment, fingered in the case.
The two were accused of conspiracy to convert the sum of N225m belonging to NIMASA on August 2015.
The EFCC had called eight witnesses and tendered 32 exhibits to prove its case.
Justice Olatoregun said the offence was punishable under sections 15 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.
The Court had convicted them first in May 23, but reserved pronouncement of sentences.
The EFCC council, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had requested the judge to impose maximum sentence on the two as a deterrent on others.
He had pointed out that the minimum sentence for the offence was 7 years, but noted that the law gives the judge the power to exercise discretion.
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