The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, July 2, 2020, arraigned three suspected illegal oil dealers and a vessel before Justice Prof. Chuka Austine Obiozor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos  on  three -count charges bordering on illegal dealing in petroleum products of about 100 metric tonnes of Automative Gas Oil (AGO).

The defendants, Okorie Collins Chukwuma, Julius Makingbene, Ededemi Bassey Okon were arrested alongside a vessel MV CX FLEET 1, by the Nigeria Navy and subsequently handed over to the EFCC for prosecution.

One of the Counts read:"Okorie Collins Chukwuma, Julius Makingbene, Ededeni Bassey Okon and MV CX FLEET 1 on the 3rd day of February 2020  in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit; dealing in 100 meric tonnes of Automative Gas Oil (AGO) without appropriate license and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 1(7) of the same Act.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

In view of their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Idris Abdullahi Mohammed, prayed the court for a trial date and asked that the defendants be remanded in Nigeria Correctional Service, NCS.

However, defence counsel, Malizu Iwudoh prayed the ourt to grant them bail on  liberal terms.

Consequently, Justice Obiozor adjourned the matter till July 8, 2020 for hearing and also ordered the defendants to be remanded in EFCC custody.

Troubles began for the defendants when they were arrested by the Navy with 100 metric of products suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).  They were later handed over to the EFCC for more investigation and prosecution.

 

Media & Publicity

02/07/2020