Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja has adjourned the ongoing alleged theft trial of a couple, Mr. Amaechi Ndili, Chief Executive Officer of Lionstone Offshore Services Limited, his wife, Mrs. Njide Ndili, to September 16, 2025.
The adjournment followed the absence of the substantive prosecuting counsel at the resumed hearing on Thursday.
K.O, who held brief for the prosecution, informed the court that the lead prosecutor would be arriving shortly and sought a stand-down.
However, when the prosecutor failed to show up, the trial judge adjourned the matter.
The defendants are standing trial on an amended three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and illegal conversion of $4,666,234.28.
The charge was filed by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Sections 516, 387, 388, and are punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Lead Prosecutor, former Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Lough (now retired), had alleged during prior proceedings that the couple dishonestly converted the said sum which they received from Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited on behalf of Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited.
In earlier court proceeding the prosecution alleged, “Lionstone Ltd. was engaged by Hercules as its local partner and it received payments on its behalf in respect of contract it executed for Addax Petroleum Development Nig. Ltd.
The $4.7 million formed part of the payments the defendants received on behalf of Hercules but they failed to remit to Hercules in accordance with their agreement.”
The prosecution alleged that rather than transferring the funds as agreed, the defendants converted the money for personal use.
Charges of the alleged theft
Count one reads“Conspiracy to commit felony to wit: stealing by conversion of the sum of $4,666,234.28 property of Hercules Offshore Nigeria Ltd, contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code Law.
Count two reads “Dishonest conversion of the same amount received from Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Ltd. on behalf of Hercules Offshore Nigeria Ltd, contrary to Section 387 and punishable under Section 390 of the same Code.
Count three“Failure to deliver the $4,666,234.28 received on account of a contract executed by Hercules, contrary to Section 388 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code.
The defendants, represented by Mr. Ebun Shofunde, SAN, had pleaded not guilty to all counts upon their arraignment.
Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned continuation of trial to September 16, 2025.