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   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday called its first witness to testify against a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, who it charged with 22 counts of alleged N2.6bn fraud.

Akpobolokemi, who was accused of defrauding the Federal Government to the tune of N795.2 million, was arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Buba alongside three others, Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan and three companies, namely Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the charge had claimed that the accused persons converted a total of N2,658,957,666 between December 23, 2013 and May 28 this year to their personal use. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

It, however, commenced on Monday with a Compliance Officer at Zenith Bank Plc, Teslim Ajuwon, testifying against the accused.

The witness said he received enquiries from EFCC for a report of activities on some accounts, including Aruwo Consulting Limited, Extreme Vertex Limited, Southern Options Limited, Green Lemon Services and Committee on ISPS, adding that the bank received a request to produce account opening package of the companies as well as their financial statements.

While being cross-examination by Akpbolokemi's lawyer,Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), Ajuwon, however said he did not see the Akpobolokemi's name in the documents he tendered in court.

"I've looked through Exhibits 1-12, I did not see the name of the 1st defendant,"� the witness said.

Justice Buba adjourned till Tuesday for continuation of trial.

The accused were alleged to have converted a total of N2,658,957,666 belonging to NIMASA to their personal use between December 23, 2013 and May 28, 2015.