Police officer, 5 others docked for alleged theft of petrol

Mr. Ojeah said the accused persons committed the crime on February 15, 2008 at the Tollgate area of Ibadan.

A police officer, Funminiyi Ogunremi, and five others charged with the allegedly stealing of 9,940 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, appeared in a Federal High Court on Friday in Ibadan.

The five others are Lateef Osuolale, Abolore Adele, Ayodele Olatunji, Kayode Olabisi and Joshua Olugbenga.

Micheal Ojeah, Counsel to the Nigeria Police, Oyo State Command, said that the accused were charged with three counts of conspiracy, unlawful dealing and stealing of petroleum products.

Mr. Ojeah said the accused persons committed the crime on February 15, 2008 at the Tollgate area of Ibadan.

He further explained that Mr. Ogunremi, who was the police officer working with the Ogun Command, allegedly collaborated with the others to highjack a truck loaded with stolen PMS.

He said that the cost of the 9,940 litres of petroleum products was not yet known.

According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes the provision of sections 3 (6), 17(b) and 390(3) Cap 77 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Ayo Emmanuel granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two reliable sureties each in like sum.

The judge adjourned the case till June 5 for trial.

(NAN)