The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned 10 persons and a vessel, MV Peace for their alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering.
They were brought before Justice Muhammad Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos on a three count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.
MV Peace and its crew members – James Abatan, Wasiu Abdul Owonikoko, Patrick Ameh, Johnson Ademola, Felix Otto, Chigozie Oguike, Olu Salisu, Jomo Gadagbe, Kunle Oba Saheed and Rasheed Adio were intercepted about five nautical miles off Lagos Fairway Buoy by the Nigerian Navy Ship Ikot-Abasi on the April 4, 2015 on suspicion of illegal dealing in petroleum products.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge and the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo prayed the court for a trial date and to remand the accused in prison custody.
However, counsel to all accused persons, Dada Awosika said he had filed an application for bail and prayed the court for a short adjournment for hearing.
Justice Idris ordered that the accused persons be remanded in Ikoyi prison and adjourned the case to Monday July 27, 2015 for hearing on the bail application.
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