Five Arraigned Over Storing Diesel Illegally

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Tuesday, arraigned five suspects before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on a four count charge bordering on conspiracy to store one hundred and eighty five metric tonnes of diesels without appropriate license.

The suspects – Odeghe Andrew, Ebinum Alex, Jelili Lateef (still at large), Sunday Buluku (still at large) and Monday Osasuwa (still at large) were arraigned before James Tsoho, judge of the court.

The suspects are alleged to have committed the crime on 31st May, 2012, using the vessel MT. Floris to store one hundred and eighty five metric tonnes of automotive gas oil without the appropriate license.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Prosecution counsel, Ben Ubi, informed the court that the EFCC was ready to proceed to trial. However, defence counsel, Victor Opare, informed the court that he had filed an application for bail and prayed the court to hear the application.

He argued that the offence for which his clients were docked is bailable and urged the court to consider the plight of one of the accused persons, Odeghe Andrew, who has some health issues, in granting them bail.

The claim of ill health was contested by Mr. Ubi, who demanded proof from the defence.

Justice Tsoho, after listening to their arguments, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of two million naira and one surety in like sum.

Justice Tsoho adjourned the case to January 22, 2013 and ordered that the accused persons be remanded in Ikoyi prison.