The criminal case between the Rivers State Government vs. SAIPEM SPA and six others have been adjourned till January 11, 2022 for further hearing.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
At a resumed sitting before Justice Gbasam of the Rivers State High Court, Chief Godwin Obla SAN, D. G. Adeyemi Esq. and I.D. Israel Esq., represented the Rivers State Government, while Mr Odein Ajumogobia, SAN and Patrick Osu, Esq appeared for the 1st and 2nd Defendants (SAIPEM SPA & SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd) respectively. The 3rd -7th Defendants were unrepresented though duly served as ordered by Court.
Counsel to Rivers state informed the Court that Walter Peviani/3rd Defendant (SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd.’s MD), 4th Defendant/Kelechi Sinteh Chinakwe, 5th Defendant/Giandomenico Zingali, 6th Defendant/Vitto Testaguzza, and Davide Anelli/7th Defendant have been served with the amended information and the proof of evidence via : i. publications in 3 National Newspapers, ii.
Pasting by the Bailiff of Court at New Operational Base of the Defendants at Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt and by sending same to the Defendants’ Secretariat email address segreteria.societaria@saipem.com.
Chief Obla immediately applied pursuant to Section 120 of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015 for the issuance of the warrant of arrest to compel the appearance of Mr Walter Peviani/the 3rd Defendant and the other Defendants in court at the next date for the criminal proceedings.
However, Counsel to the 1st and 2nd Defendants pleaded profusely on behalf of the 1st -3rd Defendants, citing section 121 of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Law for the Court to indulge them for today and that at the next adjourned date the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants will be present in Court.
The Court noted that Ajumogobia announced an appearance only for the 1st and 2nd Defendant and cannot, therefore, urge anything in favour of any other Defendants.
At this point, Ajumogobia announced an appearance for the third Defendant also.
The court held that it has taken notice of the Defendants’ disrespect for the court despite the fact that they have all been served with the Amended Information and proof of evidence.
The Court said as a criminal proceeding, the Defendants are bound to be present in court to take their plea and both Sections 120 and 121 of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law empowers the court to issue a warrant of arrest to compel the appearance of the Defendants in Court to take their plea at the next adjourned date.
However, after a plea from Chief Ajumogobia, and his undertaking to ensure the presence of the Defendants at the next hearing, the Court agreed to bend backwards and decided to keep the issuance of the warrant of arrest at bay till the next adjourned date, but promised to effect the full weight of the law to compel their appearance if they refuse to appear at the next adjourned date.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Government had filed a 16-count charge against Saipem SPA, Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited, its Managing Director, Walter Peviani and 4 others over alleged conspiracy, fraud, obtaining credit by false pretences, and cheating.
The offences run contrary to sections 518 (6) and (7), 419 (A) (1) (b), section 421 of the Criminal Code Law of Rivers State, Cap 37 Vol. 2 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
