The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three individuals and a vessel, MT Ostria, before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, for their alleged involvement in the theft of over 13 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at approximately ₦12 billion, said to belong to NNPC Retail Limited.
The defendants — Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin, both crew members of MT Ostria, and Mr. Vincent Wayas, a staff member of GMO, an inspectorate firm representing NNPC — were brought before Justice Mojisola Dada on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.
According to the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, the accused persons conspired among themselves to unlawfully divert and steal 13,324,000 litres of PMS sometime in January 2024 in Lagos.
Buhari further alleged that on or about January 17, 2024, the defendants dishonestly took nine million litres of the product, followed by another three million litres, both belonging to NNPC Retail Limited.
The prosecution maintained that their actions contravened Sections 411 and 280 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) and are punishable under Section 287 of the same law.
When the charges were read, all three defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial, arguing that they posed a flight risk and might abscond if released.
However, the defence counsel countered, noting that the defendants had already been granted administrative bail by the EFCC and had complied fully with all conditions set by the Commission.
In her ruling, Justice Dada permitted the defendants to remain on the existing EFCC bail terms and adjourned the case to November 17, 2025, for trial commencement.
The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing cases of large-scale petroleum product theft, which it described as a major economic crime undermining Nigeria’s oil and gas sector..Read Original