March 06, (THEWILL) — The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 11, 2026, for judgement in the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against James Nolan, a director of Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Ltd, over his alleged involvement in the controversial P&ID gas processing contract scandal.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu fixed the date on Friday, after counsel to the EFCC, Bala Sanga, and defence counsel, Michael Ajara, adopted their final written addresses and presented arguments for and against the charges.
THEWILL recalls that Nolan, a British national, had on January 16, 2025, informed the court that he would not call any witnesses in his defence. He said he would rely solely on the evidence already presented by the prosecution and would not tender additional evidence.
The EFCC had filed charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR/9/22 against Micad Project City Service, a subsidiary of P&ID Ltd, alongside Nolan. The defendants were arraigned in May 2022 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At the early stage of the trial, Nolan was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application. He was later granted bail after meeting the conditions of N100 million and a surety in like sum.
However, Nolan reportedly stopped attending court proceedings around September 2022 and subsequently fled the country. Following his disappearance, the court declared him wanted and issued an order for his arrest.
The EFCC subsequently applied for Nolan to be tried in absentia, a request the court granted.
Reports indicate that Nolan was re-arrested by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in Italy on January 27, 2024, during a visit to his wife. He is yet to be extradited to Nigeria to face trial.
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