Gambian, Senegalese Remanded In Prison For Illegal Oil Deal
Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, remanded a Gambian, Baboucar Jallow, and a Senegalese, Ndiaga Ba, in prison custody for allegedly dealing in 300 metric tonnes of diesel without lawful authority.
The presiding judge ordered that the foreigners and a Nigerian, Abel Bassey be kept in prison after they were arraigned before him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two count charge of conspiracy and unlawful deal in petroleum products.
The accused persons, who were docked alongside their vessel, MT Wolof, however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The anti-graft agency, which also mentioned one Japcco Nigeria Ltd in the charge, claimed that the accused persons committed the offence sometime in June this year.
Counsel for the EFCC, Ekene Iheanacho, told the court that the accused persons acted contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and are liable to punishment under Section 1(17) of the same Act.
But attempts by the defence counsel, Adegboyega Adetunji, to secure bail for the three men was refused by Justice Idris.
The judge held, “I have read all the processes filed in this case and the submission of counsel on both sides. I cannot find my way clear in granting this application for bail.
“There is no evidence that the accused persons are resident within the jurisdiction of this court, therefore, bail is refused; accelerated hearing of this case is hereby ordered,” he held.
The court, therefore ordered that the accused should be remanded in prison custody pending the conclusion of trial.
The matter was then adjourned till December 13, 2017 for commencement of trial.
