EFCC Drags 14 To Court Over Illegal Oil Deal

On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned 12 persons, a vessel – MT Mother Comfort, and a firm – Azamosa Limited, before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly dealing in 240 metric tons of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) without the appropriate licence or lawful authority.

The 12 other defendants besides the vessel and the firm are Ojajuni Adebowale, Dele Napoleon, Aderemi Akinade, Stephen Ogunboye, Ekene Okendu, Agbanoma John, Azu Okengwu, Alum Julius, Awah Ucheojo, Femi James, Odenike Rasaq, and Neele Keerebari.

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The prosecuting counsel for the EFCC, Mohammed Idris, told the court that the defendants committed the crime on July 24, 2020, in Lagos.

He maintained that the crime was contrary to sections 3(3) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and were liable to punishment under Section 1(17) of the same Act.

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Idris also held that the defendants violated Section 4 of the Petroleum Act, Cap P10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the three counts charges they were arraigned on.

Justice Muslim Hassan admitted the defendants to N10m bail each with one surety in like sum following the bail application by the defendants’ lawyer, Sola Obaribirin.

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The judge, however, ordered that they be remanded in custody pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

He adjourned till February 4 and 5, 2021 for trial.