The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on Tuesday 18th June, 2013 arraigned the duo of Elot Ekpe and Henshaw Bassey before Justice Shittu Abubakar of the Federal High Court Warri, Delta State on a 2-count charge bordering on tampering with oil pipeline.

When the charge was read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty.

Count one reads; "That you Elot Ekpe and Henshaw Bassey on or about the 16th day of October 2012 at Eriemukhwarien, Delta State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: tampering with oil pipeline, without lawful authority and thereby committed an offence contrarily to section 3(6) and punishable under section 1(17) (A) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 of the Revised Edition (law of the Federation of Nigeria) Act 2007.

The accused persons were arrested by men of the Joint Task Force of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin on October 16, 2012 at Utorogu Gas Plant at Eruemukohwuarie, Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State and handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.

The matter was adjourned to September 18, 2013 for trial.

Media & Publicity Unit