EFCC arraigns eight over illegal petrol importation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned eight officials of an oil company, Hepa Global Energy Limited, over illegal importation of Premium Motor Spirit.

The eight were Ademola Ogungbayi, Olabode Olaniran, Suraj Gasali, Moses Emmanuel, Wilson Bonsi, Jacob Pandoun, Uche Okparaodi and Happy Onyeogo.They were charged along their vessel, MT Good Success and their company, Hepa Global Energy Limited, for importing about 1.46 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit into the country without the requisite licence.

They were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on five counts bothering on illegal importation.

The EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, said the eight with their vessel were rounded up by the Nigerian Navy on February 19, 2014.

Oyedepo said the offence contravened section 4, of the Petroleum Act, Cap 10 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The offence was also said to violate sections 17 and 19(6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

The eight pleaded not guilty to the charge.

They were subsequently granted bail in the sum of N5m each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Justice Saliu Saidu adjourned the case till September 23, 2014 for trial.