Emmanuel OchayiAt the Federal High Court in Abuja, the trial of MICAD Project City Service Limited and James Nolan took a dramatic twist as the fourth prosecution witness, Isah Daku Sulaiman, divulged crucial information regarding alleged fraudulent activities amounting to $9.6bn P&ID.
During the trial proceedings on Thursday, May 9, 2024, Sulaiman, referred to as PW4, presented compelling evidence indicating violations of Nigeria’s Money Laundering Act by James Nolan, the second defendant and a director in the implicated company.
Sulaiman informed Justice Obiora Egwuatu that a report from the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) revealed blatant disregard for legal provisions by Nolan in his dealings with the company. He emphasized that SCUML’s evaluation of documents pertaining to Nolan’s activities unequivocally demonstrated non-compliance with Nigerian laws.
“In all his activities with the company, the second defendant flouted provisions of Nigeria’s Money Laundering Act,” Sulaiman stated.
Furthermore, Sulaiman disclosed that MICAD Project City Service Limited, the first defendant, failed to fulfill its tax obligations to the federal government. He underscored the findings from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, confirming the company’s non-payment of requisite taxes.
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The testimony took a more alarming turn when Sulaiman revealed suspicions of forgery surrounding Nolan’s directorship in MICAD Project City Service Limited. Despite Nolan’s purported resignation, his name resurfaced as a serving director following the deaths of other directors, raising concerns about fraudulent documentation.
“Investigations revealed that Nolan himself forged documents to reinstate his directorship in the company,” Sulaiman asserted.
Adding weight to the prosecution’s case, the fifth prosecution witness, Chris Ezegwu, corroborated the evidence by detailing an email exchange with Nolan, which included the death certificates of deceased directors. Ezegwu affirmed receiving the email and subsequently preparing a certificate of compliance, implicating Nolan further.
With each revelation, the courtroom atmosphere grew tense, underscoring the gravity of the accusations leveled against the defendants. The judge adjourned the proceedings until July 10, 2024, signaling the continuation of what promises to be a protracted legal battle.
MICAD Project City Service Limited and James Nolan face a litany of charges, including obtaining by false pretense, non-compliance with the Money Laundering Act, and criminal conversion of proceeds of crime amounting to N151,394,328.00.
As the trial unfolds, the prosecution’s case gains momentum, shedding light on what could be one of the most significant fraud cases in Nigeria’s legal history.
