A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted British national James Nolan, a director of the controversial firm Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Ltd, on multiple charges involving money laundering, forgery, and obtaining by false pretense.

In a judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu also found Nolan’s co-defendant, Micad Project City Services Ltd, guilty of the charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Trial and Conviction in Absentia

The defendants were arraigned in 2022 on a 20-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/9/2022). Throughout the trial, the EFCC presented six witnesses and a significant volume of documentary evidence. Conversely, the defense counsel, Michael Ajara, elected not to call any witnesses or provide evidence in rebuttal, choosing instead to rest the defense’s case on the prosecution's presentation.

Justice Egwuatu convicted Nolan on 19 of the 20 counts, noting that the prosecution had successfully established a credible case. However, the court struck out count 13, ruling that the alleged offense predated the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011.

Nolan, who jumped bail in September 2022 and fled Nigeria, was tried in absentia in accordance with Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. The judge ruled that sentencing for the Briton will be deferred until he is apprehended and produced in court by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).

The "Ghost Signatory" Evidence

A pivotal point in the conviction for forgery involved documents purportedly signed by a late director of Micad Ltd, Lloyd Quinn. The prosecution argued and the court upheld that Quinn, who passed away in 2014, could not have physically signed official documents in 2017.

"I am satisfied that the prosecution called credible witnesses and tendered documentary evidence to establish its case," Justice Egwuatu stated, dismissing the possibility that the deceased director could have "resurrected" to sign the papers three years after his death.

Current Status and Previous Rulings

James Nolan was reportedly re-arrested by INTERPOL in Italy on January 27, 2024, while visiting his wife. Extradition processes to return him to Nigeria are currently pending.

This judgment follows a string of legal setbacks for entities linked to the P&ID scandal. On July 3, 2024, the Federal High Court ordered the winding up and asset forfeiture of two other companies associated with Nolan—Trinity Biotech Nigeria Limited and Resorts Express Concept Nigeria Ltd—after they were similarly found guilty of money laundering.