EFCC docks European and Asian immigrants pinching Nigeria's crude oil

EFCC docks European and Asian immigrations pinching Nigeria's crude oil

Fourteen European and Asian immigrants have been remanded in a Nigerian prison by a Federal High Court in Lagos State  following their arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for pilfering Nigeria's petroleum products.

The immigrants who were arrested on March 27, 2015 include 7 Britons – Hilarion Teofilo Regipor, Cadavis Gerardo, Baduria Benjamin, Naranjo Allian Antero, Patro Christian, Alcayde Joel and Carantiquit Micheal Bryan; 3 Russians – Arthur Pakhladzhian, Vasaliy Shkundich and Kretov Andrey; 3 Ukrainians – Vitalis Biluos, Laguta Olesksiy and Chepikov Oleksan and Japanese, Sergio Abgarian.

The accused persons, facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful dealing and storage of petroleum products without lawful authority, were alleged to be operating from their vessel, MT Anukpet Emerald, to illegally deal in petroleum products estimated at 1,738.087 metric tons.

They were also charged for illegal storage of 1,500 metric tons of Automated Gas Oil, AGO as well as 3,035 metric tons of Low Pour Fuel Oil, LPFO.

The 14 foreigners, however, pleaded not guilty to the four counts and their defense counsel, Mr. Babaji Koku, applied for their bail on self recognition and in liberal terms.

However, the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, said the men had contravened Sections 4, 17, 19 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and the Petroleum Act, Laws of Federation, and contended that the privilege of bail on self recognition could not apply in the case because the accused persons were foreigners.“My Lord, the issue of granting bail on self recognition does not apply in this case because the accused persons are all foreign nationals.


“We humbly ask that even if the court would admit the accused persons to bail, the conditions should be stringent to prevent them from absconding from the country,” He said.

Justice Buba admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50m each with one surety each in like sum on the grounds that the sureties must be resident in Lagos. He also added that the accused were also to deposit their travelling documents in the custody of the EFCC.

However, the accused informed the court that they were ready to issue a bond of N750m bank guarantee in order to avoid delay in securing a surety.

Buba, who granted the request, however, ordered that they should be remanded in prison custody pending when they would perfect their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned till June 17, 18 and 19 for trial.