The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday adjourned the adoption of final written addresses in the trial of James Nolan, a director in Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Ltd, until November 3.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu fixed the new date following the absence of counsel for both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence when the case was called.
The matter, which borders on the alleged $9.6 billion money laundering scandal involving P&ID, has now stalled twice due to non-appearance of lawyers. On June 10, the court had also adjourned for the same reason.
Nolan, a British national and director in P&ID Ltd, had on January 16 informed the court through his lawyer, Michael Ajara, that he would not be calling any witnesses in the ongoing trial. He said he intended to rely solely on the evidence already presented by the prosecution.
The EFCC, in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/9/22, arraigned Nolan alongside Micad Project City Service, a subsidiary of P&ID Ltd, in May 2022. They pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Nolan was initially remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre before being granted bail of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum. However, he jumped bail in September 2022 and fled Nigeria. The court subsequently declared him wanted and ordered his arrest.
Following his escape, EFCC counsel, Bala Sanga, applied for Nolan to be tried in absentia, a request granted by Justice Egwuatu. Nolan was later re-arrested by Interpol in Italy on January 27, 2024, while visiting his wife. He has yet to be extradited to Nigeria to face trial.
Meanwhile, in a separate ruling on July 3, 2024, Justice Donatus Okorowo (now elevated to the Court of Appeal) ordered the winding up of two other companies linked to Nolan — Trinity Biotech Nigeria Limited and Resorts Express Concept Nigeria Ltd — after finding them guilty of money laundering offences tied to the P&ID scandal. Their assets were forfeited to the Federal Government.
With the latest adjournment, the adoption of final written addresses by the parties will now take place on November 3, barring further delays.
