Abuja - The trial of a former Shell Petroleum Development Company employee and some officials of the Bayelsa State Government who allegedly obtained N1,9 billion from the oil company through a phony consultancy contract for development permit in the Gbanran- Ubie project, is to resume later today (Tuesday).
Chidi Adabanya, the former oil and his alleged accomlices appear before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Adabanya was charged together with Forstech Technical Nigeria Limited, Gastroil Ventures Limited, Andrew Feyaikebena Ebakpa, Ibe Uzoma, Ezekiel Benneth Hart, Presley Ebakpa, Kwokwo Bolouwenimo and Kwokwo Ebikibina, Bikyiis Integrated Services Limited and Fambo Integrated Services Limited.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arraigned them before Justice Gladys Olotu in June 2012 on a 22-count charge that borders on money laundering.
At the last hearing of the case before Justice Olotu proceeded on retirement, the prosecution presented two witnesses.
One of the witnesses, a former manager of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Warri, told the court how, through the influence of Adabanya, Forstech Technical Nigeria Limited’s dormant account with the bank was reactivated majorly to receive the N1,9 billion payment expected from Shell.
He revealed how the money was eventually paid into the account in three tranches and how Adabanya nominated his mistress, Uzo Ibie to run the account.
Another witness, an investigator with the EFCC told the court that there was no trace of Forstech in the address indicated as its office in Warri, Delta State.
According to EFCC he also disclosed that the supposed residence of the two directors of the company could not be found.
The case had to be reassigned following the removal of Justice Olotu from the bench.
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