EFCC Docks Two Suspected Oil Thieves in Yenegoa

SAN FRANCISCO, May 09, (THEWILL) - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Tuesday 7th May, 2013 arraigned the duo of Tony Ochonogor and Efe Alex before Justice L. Akanbi of the Federal High Court, Yenagoa on separate charges bordering on illegal dealing in petroleum product and forgery according to a statement by the commision's spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

One of the charges reads, “that you Tony Ochonogor, Efe Alex on or about the 20th day of March, 2013 at Tanua Road, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire with others now at large to commit felony to wit; dealing in petroleum product without appropriate authority and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under section 1(17) of the same Act”.

Another charge reads, “that you Tony Ochonogor and one Mr Tony now at large, on or about the 20th day of March, 2013, at Tanua Road, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did forge document titled Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Meter Ticket and Way Bill, No. A0004412, purported to be issued by Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited, in respect of a truck with registration number: XD459 WWR, for the purchase of 33,000 litres of petroleum product knowing same to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(2) (C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria), 2007 and punishable under Section 1(17) of the same Act”.

Justice Akanbi granted the accused bail in the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500.000.00) and one surety each. Each surety must have a landed property within this jurisdiction and the property must be verified by the prosecutor.

The case was adjourned to October 14, 2013.