EFCC Arraigns 14 Foreigners Over Illegal Oil Deals

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has brought 14 foreigners alleged to be involved in illegal oil to the front of the law. Predising Judge, Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High
Court sitting in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial city.

The commission revealed the prosecution in a statement signed by its Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, on Wednesday. The suspects were charged on a 4-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.

The suspects include three Russians – Pakhladzhian Artur, Kretov Andrey and Shkundich Vasily; three Ukrainians – Laguta Oleksiy, Chepikov Oleksandr and Bilous Vitalli. Other suspects are eight Filipinos – Cadavis Gerardo, Baduria Benjamin, Regidor Hilarion, Naranjo Allan Antero, Patero Christian, Alkyde Joel, Caratiquit Micheal Bryan, Ciudad Prudencio, Cabanal Anecito, Cabuquin Andres and Podutan Eduardo, with a Georgian – Agbarian Sergoand. The companies involved are MT Anuket Emerald, Monjasa DMCC, and Glencore Energy UK Limited.

The first count of the charge read that the said 3 companies along with 14 foreigners “on or about the 27th day of February, 2015 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court conspired among yourselves to commit an offence to wit: dealing in petroleum products without lawful authority or appropriate licence”

Count two also stated the said 3 companies along with 14 foreigners “on or about the 27th day of February, 2015 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court without lawful authority or appropriate licence dealt with 1,738.087 Metric tons of petroleum products.”

When the charges were read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty. Counsel to the accused persons, Babajide Koku, SAN, prayed the court to admit his clients to bail. Justice Buba granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000,000 each and one surety in like sum who must be a Nigeria.

Justice Buba, granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N50 million each, with one surety in like sum, while the surety must reside in Lagos. Justice Buba ordered that the accused persons be remanded till the bail conditions are met.

The accused persons however, told the court that they were ready to issue bonds of N750 million bank guarantee, to avoid delay of surety.

This was granted by the court subject to the deposit of their passports and all travelling documents with the EFCC. The case was adjourned to June 17, 18 and 19, 2015 for commencement of trial.