Bode George, others jailed for 28 years

A Lagos State High Court, Ikeja division, handling the trial of the former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Olabode George and five others charged over alleged contracts splitting and inflation today sentenced the PDP chieftain and former chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and others to a twenty eight-year jail term without option of fine.

The trial started precisely on August 15, 2008, when Chief Bode George, with four others, including the former Managing Director of the NPA, Arc. Aminu Dabo were arraigned before Justice Joseph Oyewole on a 163 count-charge of conspiracy, disobedience to lawful order, alleged inflation of contracts and contracts splitting.

Chief Olabode George,former Chairman,Nigerian Ports Authourity during his trial at the Ikeja High court over mismanagement of Nigerian Ports Authourity funds. Photo: Shola Oyelese

After the commencement of the case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuting the case amended the 164 count-charge, reducing it into only 63 around the same categories of offences.

When their pleas were taken they all pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Those charged with Chief Olabode George and Arc. Aminu Dabo were Captain O. Abidoye, Alhaji Abdulahi Aminu Tafida, Alhaji Zanna Maidaribe and Engr. Sule Aliyu who was joined as 6th defendant after the charge was amended.

More details later.