The trial of Akindele Akintoye, alongside Platforms Capital Investment Partners Limited and Duport Midstream Company Limited, resumed on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the court rejecting a crucial document presented by the defence.
The document, tendered by Akintoye, was said to contain his request to buy off shares belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
However, the court declined to admit it as evidence.
The defendants are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended six-count charge bordering on dishonesty and the alleged conversion of $35 million belonging to the NCDMB.
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Counsel to the first and second defendants, E.O. Adekwu, SAN, had sought to tender the document on March 10, 2026, during cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness, Isaac Yalah.
But prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, objected, arguing that the document was merely a photocopy and not a certified true copy as required by law.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Akpan upheld the prosecution’s objection, stating that the document failed to meet the legal standard for admissibility, as it was not an original or certified copy of a public document.
The case was adjourned to May 18 and 19, 2026, for continuation of trial.
