An Ikeja High Court yesterday issued a bench warrant on a 44-year-old man, Nsikakabasi Akpan-Jacobs, who allegedly sold off his employers’ property for N918 million.
Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye issued the warrant after Akpan-Jacobs failed to appear before him for the continuation of trial.
“Criminal proceedings are expected to be heard in a brisk manner in order not to offend Section 36 (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Actions that attempt to stall such proceedings must not be encouraged by the court,” he said.
The judge noted that there was no medical report before the court to back the claim by the first defendant (Akpan-Jacobs) that he was ill.
She ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately arrest and produce the accused in court on the next adjournment date fixed for April 29.
Earlier, Counsel to the defendant, Mr ThankGod Onyegbune, had apologized for his absence, which he attributed to ill-health.
The EFCC counsel, Mr Emmanuel Jackson, however, said the claim was a ploy by the first defendant to frustrate the trial.
Jackson, therefore, asked the court to issue a bench warrant on him or in the alternative, revoke his bail.
Akpan-Jacobs was charged alongside a legal practitioner, Abdulmalik Ibrahim, on June 9, 2011.
Also charged with the defendants is Dana Motors Ltd which acquired the property situated at Plot C63A, Amuwo-Odofin Commercial Layout, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, from them.
They are facing a 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, forgery, uttering and engaging in the acquisition of property derived from an offence.
The EFCC alleged that Akpan-Jacobs had fraudulently sold the property which belonged to Tha Shipping and Maritime Services, while he was the managing director of the company.
The anti-graft agency also accused them of forging some documents to facilitate the fraudulent transaction which took place on August 10, 2008.
According to the EFCC, the offences contravene Sections 390, 467,468 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State 2003.
It said Dana Motors contravened Section 18(1) of the EFCC Act of 2004, when it fraudulently acquired the property from the first and second defendants. (NAN)
