Fuel Subsidy Scandal: EFCC Arraigns Three More

LAGOS, July 30, (THEWILL) – Three more suspects were on Monday arraigned in court in the ongoing trial of individuals and organisations alleged to have received fraudulent payments from the Petroleum Support Fund under the pretence of fuel importation.

The suspects — Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, Habila Theck and Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited — were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

They were docked before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on a six-count charge of conspiring to obtain the sum of N976, 653,110.28 from the federal government of Nigeria by falsely representing that the said sum was accrued subsidy for the importation of 13,627,084 litres of premium motor spirit.

They were also accused of forgery and use of false documents, contrary to Section 364 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them. Babajide Koku (SAN), their counsel, informed the court that he had filed a bail application dated 25th July 2012 and served on the prosecution.

However, he requested a short adjournment, saying he needed more time to respond to the counter affidavit.

Prosecution counsel, Usani Francis did not oppose the application.

Justice Onigbanjo consequently adjourned proceedings to Wednesday 1st August 2012 for hearing of the bail application while ordering that the accused be remanded in EFCC custody.