The Rivers State High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of three expatriates staff of Saipem, Giandomenico Zingali, Vitto Testaguzza and Davide Anelli, over an alleged conspiracy to cheat and defraud the Government of Rivers State of the sum of $130 million USD, being advanced payment for the construction of the OCGT power plant in Port Harcourt. The lead counsel to the Rivers State Government, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, prayed that those absent be tried in absentia since they have been duly served court processes. The Rivers State Government had a contract with Saipem SPA and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd in respect of Turbines and their building in Afam 11 in Oyigbo local government area of Rivers State, but the work did not progress beyond 40% of the contract sum. Forensic analysis revealed criminal infractions and charges have been brought against the company and individuals working with the company.
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