The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned the former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Raymond Temisan Omatseye on a 27-count criminal charge bordering on contract scam.
Mr Omatseye was earlier arraigned before a Federal High Court in 2011 but his trial was stalled due to the transfer of the trial judge, Justice Binta Muritala Nyako to Makurdi, Benue State.
The former DG was said to have between 2009 and 2010, transferred 300, 000 pounds sterling from NIMASA’s Barclays Bank Account in London without lawful approval, purportedly to fund the campaign of one Mrs Mbanefo as Secretary-General of International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The EFCC said Mr Omatseye’s action was contrary to and punishable under Section 14(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
After hearing the allegations against him, Mr Omatseye pleaded not guilty, while his lawyer, Olushina Shofola urged the court to allow him continue with the former bail granted him by Justice Murtala-Nyako.
The judge granted the request and fixed February 7, 8 and 9 for commencement of trial.
Some of the charge against the accused reads:
“That you Temisan Omatseye whilst carrying out your duty as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on the 16th Day of February, 2010, split tenders for, and approved, three contract awards to Wabil Nig. Ltd., to wit: Contract Nos: (a) NIMASA90127/02/2010 (b) NIMASA90137/02/2010 (c) NIMASA90139/02/2010 For supply office accessories, to enable you evade your official limit of monetary thresh hold of contract approval, and thereby contravening the provision of Section 58(4)(d) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 58(5)(a)(b) of the same act.”
“That you Temisan Omatseye whilst carrying out your duty as the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) on the 29th day of January, 2010, split tenders for, and approved, two contract awards to Franxeel Limited wit: Contract Nos: (a) NIMASA90084/01/2010 (b) NIMASA90085/01/2010 For supply of computer accessories, to enable you evade your official limit of monetary thresh hold of contract approval, and thereby contravening the provision of Section 58(4)(d) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 58(5)(a)(b) of the same Act”
“That you Temisan Omatseye whilst carrying out your duty as the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) on the 16th day of February, 2010 split tenders for, and approved, two contract awards to Layol Commercial Serv. Nig. Limited wit: Contract Nos: (a) NIMASA90128/02/2010 (b)NIMASA90136/02/2010 For supply of office equipment, to enable you evade your official limit of monetary thresh hold of contract approval, and thereby contravening the provision of Section 58(4)(d) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and Punishable under Section 58(5)(a)(b) of the same act.”
