Oct 23, 2012 – 9 Nigerians Charged With N300m Petroleum Theft
Operatives at the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Milverton Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, have arrested nine suspected petroleum thieves and arraigned them before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of stealing 3000 metric tons, (3.4 million litres) of AGO products valued at N300 million.
One of the charges reads: “That you Captain Nicholas Okotie, 45, Jeffrey Achibong, 46, Sunday Igbudu, 43, Joseph Wilson a.k.a. Let Them Say, 31, Gift Efe, Andrew Ohiaze, 38, Raji Danimoh, 42, Doupere Nikade, 60, and Olawale Atobatele, 46, on 18 August, 2012, at Lagos outside bar (shore line) in the Lagos magisterial district, did conspire with Prince John Akoto and Gbenga Olagoke, who are still at large to steal 3000 metric tons of (3.4 million litres) of AGO valued at N300 million.”
The offences they committed, the prosecutor, SP Asuquo Effiong, claimed, contravene sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and the magistrate, Mrs. Badejo Okunsanya admitted them on bail in the sum of N200,000 each with two sureties in like sum who must show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State government.
She adjourned the matter till 12 November, 2012 for mention.
The defendants were remanded at Ikoyi Prison when they could not perfect the bail conditions before the court closed for the day.
