EFCC charges five defendants over illegal petroleum Deal in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged five defendants before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an illegal deal in petroleum products.

The defendants, including the vessel Mt Vinnalaris, Azeez Abubakar, Wisdom Borborley, Samuel Akpan, and Freedom Otuagoma, appeared before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on two counts bordering on an unlawful deal in petroleum products.

They pleaded guilty after the charge was read to them.

Following their plea, prosecutor R.A. Abdurasheed informed the court that the prosecution had filed the plea bargain agreement with the defendants.

Consequently, the court adjourned the case until April 25 for the adoption of a plea bargain agreement.

The court ordered that the defendants remain in the custody of the prosecution till then.

The defendants were accused of dealing in 515.8 litres of crude oil without lawful authority, contravening the provisions of Section 1(17) and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Law of the Federation 2004.