The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned a vessel, MT Ostria, alongside three men before the Ikeja Special Offences Court over the alleged theft of petroleum products valued at N12 billion.
The defendants — Raymundo Panaligam and Roneno Villarin, both crew members of the vessel, and Vincent Wayas, an employee of GMO representing NNPC Retail Ltd — were charged with four counts bordering on conspiracy and stealing over 13 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the defendants, in January 2024, conspired to unlawfully divert 13,354,000 litres of PMS belonging to NNPC Retail Ltd. One of the counts alleged that, on January 17, 2024, the accused dishonestly took nine million litres of fuel, followed by another theft of three million litres.
The prosecution said the offences contravene Sections 280 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The EFCC requested that they be remanded in custody, citing concerns that they might flee if granted bail.
However, the defence informed the court that bail applications had already been filed and urged that the defendants remain on their existing EFCC administrative bail.
Justice Mojisola Dada ruled that the defendants should continue on their current bail conditions and adjourned the case to November 17, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
