ICYMI: EFCC opens case against James Nolan, Briton who jumped bail in P&ID case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened its case at the federal high court, Abuja against James Nolan, a Briton.

Bala Sanga, EFCC counsel, on Tuesday, led Temitope Erinomo, an assistant chief complaint officer with EFCC, in evidence before Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge.

BACKGROUND

In August 2020, EFCC arraigned Nolan, Lurgi Consult LTD and others over alleged $9.6 billion money laundering.

Nolan is a director in Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) alongside Lurgi Consult Limited.

The Briton pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Nolan was granted bail by the court. However, after he perfected his bail conditions, he failed to appear in court for trial.

In September 2022, a federal high court in Abuja revoked the bail and issued a bench warrant for Nolan’s arrest.

THE COURT PROCEEDINGS

At the hearing on Wednesday, Erinomo, who works in the special control unit against money laundering, told the court that he was part of the investigating team in the criminal charge filed against Micad Project City Services and Nolan.

According to NAN, the Briton was not in court but his lawyer, Michael Ajara was present.

Ajara told the court that he cannot cross examine Erinomo because he was indisposed.

He, therefore, sought for an adjournment of the case and EFCC counsel did not oppose the application.

Subsequently, the judge adjourned the matter until January 16 to 18, 2024 for continuation of trial.

P&ID CASE

On Monday, Robin Knowles, justice of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales, upheld Nigeria’s prayer on the ground that the award was obtained by fraud.

Nigeria has been on the case since January 2017 when a $6.6 billion fine was imposed on the country over a failed gas processing contract.

The company had claimed that it entered into a contract to build a gas processing plant in Calabar, Cross River state, and that the deal collapsed because the Nigerian government did not fulfill its end of the bargain.

In his ruling, Knowles said Nolan gave evidence during the case but he was not cross examined due to “mental health”.