The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday declined to admit a document presented by defendant Akindele Akintoye in his ongoing trial over an alleged $35 million fraud involving the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
Akintoye is being tried alongside Platforms Capital Investment Partners Limited and Duport Midstream Company Limited on a six-count amended charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on alleged dishonesty and misappropriation of funds.
The disputed document, which reportedly contained Akintoye’s request to acquire shares from the NCDMB, was tendered during cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness, Isaac Yalah, by defence counsel E.O. Adekwu (SAN). The application for its admission had been filed on March 10, 2026.
Prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho (SAN) opposed the move, arguing that the document was merely a photocopy of a public record and not a certified true copy, rendering it inadmissible under the law.
In his ruling, Justice Ekerete Akpan upheld the prosecution’s objection, stating that only original or properly certified copies of public documents are admissible in evidence. Consequently, the court rejected the document.
The case was adjourned to May 18 and 19, 2026, for continuation of trial.
— Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity