The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned 23 suspected illegal oil bunkers before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal dealing and storage of petroleum products.
A statement by the spokesperson of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, gave the names of the suspects as Ala Atubokiki Ibanibo, Wole Ajayi, Adesunloye Alexander, Fani Kayode, Captain Daniel Lebile, Micheal Mgbanwa, Segun Ekundemi, Johnson Mashebinu, Ndidi Benjamin, Bright Nwaezuoke, Blessing Omoviye, Kayode Biboye Ireti, Chuks Isiwepkweni, Friday Nchikpa, Peter Bayo, Ubom Amos , Zuopamo Embiowei, Olabamerun Owolemi, Adams Husseini, Ebisingha Timmy, Godwin Oputeh, Ebimie Norwigeh (still at large) and Olabamerin Damilola Smart ( at large).
Mr. Uwujaren said the suspects were arrested by the Nigerian Navy aboard MV Long Island, and handed over to the EFCC on December 14, 2015 for further investigation and prosecution.
One of the charges read, “That you, MV Long Island , AFA Global Impex Services Limited, GFL Marine Services Limited, Ala Atubokiki Ibanibo, Wole Ajayi, Adesunloye Alexander, Fani Kayode, Captain Daniel Lebile, Micheal Mgbanwa, Segun Ekundemi, Joghnson Mashebinu, Ndidi Benjamin, Bright Nwaezuoke, Blessing Omoviye, Kayode Biboye Ireti, Chuks Isiwepkweni, Friday Nchikpa, Peter Bayo, Ubom Amos , Zuopamo Embiowei, Olabamerun Owolemi, Adams Husseini, Ebisingha Timmy, Godwin Oputeh, Ebimie Norwigeh (Still at large) and Olabamerin Damilola Smart (now at large) on or about the 2nd day of December 2014 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority or appropriate licence contrary to section 19(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under the same Act”.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.
Justice Buba granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N50million each and one surety in like sum. The surety must be a resident of Lagos with landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The case was adjourned to March 23, 24, 25 and April 2 for commencement of trial.
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