EFCC arraigns 3 foreigners, vessel over N12bn oil theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned three foreigners and a vessel, MT Ostria, before the Special Offences Court sitting in the Ikeja area of Lagos State over alleged N12 billion oil theft.

The defendants are Raymundo Panaligam and Roneno Villarin, both officials of the vessel, and Vincent Wayas, a staff member of GMO, representing NNPC Retail Limited.

They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony and stealing over 25 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol.

The EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the defendants, on January 17, 2024, conspired to steal 25,354,000 litres of petrol belonging to NNPC Retail Ltd.

According to Buhari, the alleged offences contravene Sections 280 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Buhari urged the court to remand the defendants in custody, arguing that they were flight risks who might abscond if granted bail.

However, the defence informed the court that bail applications had been filed and pleaded that the defendants remain on EFCC administrative bail.

The presiding judge, Justice Mojisola Dada, ruled that the defendants should continue on their existing EFCC bail conditions.

Justice Dada adjourned until November 17, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The Star