The British national, James Nolan, facing charges related to the $9.6 billion Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) scandal, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that he will not be calling any witnesses in his defense.

Through his lawyer, Michael Ajara, Nolan stated that his case would rest on the evidence presented by the prosecution. This declaration was made before Justice Obiora Egwuatu during Thursday’s hearing.

### Background
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Nolan and his company, Micad Project City Services Limited, with money laundering offenses in a 20-count indictment. The case stems from the P&ID Ltd scandal, which has drawn significant global attention.

Nolan, a director in both Micad Project and P&ID Ltd, initially pleaded not guilty after being arraigned in May 2022. However, he fled Nigeria after being granted bail, prompting the court to declare him wanted and order his arrest. He was later detained by INTERPOL in Italy in January 2024 but has yet to be extradited to Nigeria.

### Court Proceedings
EFCC counsel Bala Sanga informed the court that the prosecution had reviewed the case and opted not to call their final witness, deeming it unnecessary. Nolan’s defense counsel also confirmed they would not object to this decision.

“We shall be relying on the evidence already presented by the prosecution,” Ajara told the court.

Justice Egwuatu adjourned the case to March 10 for the adoption of final written addresses.

### Related Developments
In July 2024, a sister court presided over by Justice Donatus Okorowo ordered the closure of two companies linked to Nolan—Trinity Biotech Nigeria Limited and Resorts Express Concept Nigeria Ltd—for their involvement in the P&ID fraud. Their assets were forfeited to the federal government.

The trial remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, with global attention on its outcome.