Appeal court overturns former NIMASA DG’s conviction

A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Raymond Omatseye, on Thursday had a cause to rejoice, when the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal overturned the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos which convicted, and sentenced him to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.

Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia had convicted Omatseye con June 6, 2016, following corruption charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Ajumogobia had sentenced him to five years imprisonment without an option of a fine, Omatseye, had through his lawyer, Mr Olusina Sofola (SAN), appealed the decision.

The presiding Judge Justice ‎Yargata B Nimpar set aside the May 20, 2016 judgment that was delivered by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia which convicted Omatseye on a 27- count charge bordering on bid rigging and contract splitting.

“The long and short of it is that, the appeal succeeds. The prosecution should not ride roughshod over the Constitution.

“The judiciary will do the war on corruption more harm by declaring someone a criminal, where no offence has been committed.

“I find merit in the appeal. The lower court judgement is hereby set aside and the appellant is hereby discharged and acquitted,” the Judge said.

Omatseye was therefore discharged and acquitted as the trial court’s judgment was upturned.

Justice Ajumogobia  who handed down the sentence on Omatseye, is currently been tried alongside a senior advocate of Nigeria. Godwin Obla, on charges of bribery, corruption and undue gratification.

After the court’s pronouncement, Omatseye and a host of his family and friends proceeded to a church in the mainland for a Thanksgiving service to God.