Bunkering: Trial begins Wednesday for 14 foreigners

One week after they were arraigned, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will on Wednesday(tomorrow) commence fully the prosecution of 14 foreign nationals who are allegedly involved in the crime of bunkering.

  The men whose arraignment last Wednesday drew public interest were citizens of four different countries.

The men  and three vessels  were docked at a Federal High Court, Lagos, on  a four- count criminal charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful dealing in Petroleum product, and storing petroleum product without lawful authority.

According to the four count criminal charge number FHC/L/209c/15, filed before the court by the EFCC Head of Legal Services Mr. Gbolahon Latona,  three  Russians, Arthur Pakhladzhian, Vasaliy Shkundich, Kretov Andrey; one Japanese, Sergio Abgarian; three Ukrainians, Vitalis Biluos, Laguta Olesksiy, Chepikov Oleksan,; Seven Britons, Hilarion teofilo Regipor Jr., Cadavis Gerardo, Baduria benjamin,Naranjo Allian Antero JR,Patro Christian, Alcayde Joel, Carantiquit Micheal Bryan; and three vessels namely MT Anukt Emerald, Monjasa DMCC, and Glencore Energy UK Limited, on February 27, 2015, conspired with one and another to commit an offence to wit dealing in Petroleum product without lawful authority or appropriate licence.

They were also alleged to have at the same time and place without lawful authority or appropriate licence stored 1,500 metric tons of Automated Gas Oil in MT Anuket Emerald’s Cargo tank marked 3s and 3P while they also stored 3,035 metric tons of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) in tanks marked 2P,2S,SP,4S,P and S.

The EFCC say the alleged offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 4, 17, 19 (6) of the miscellaneous offences Act and the Petroleum Act, Laws of Federation.

But the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The Prosecutor, Oyedepo Rotimi, asked the court to remand the accused persons in prison custody pending trial.

But defence cousel, Babajide Koku, in an oral application, urged the court to admit the accused persons on self recognition.

This application was opposed by Mr. Oyedepo on the ground that the accused persons were not Nigerians. He therefore urged the court to impose stringent condition of bail.

The presiding judge, Ibrahim Buba, admitted each of the accused persons to bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.

 But Koku  prayed the court that in a situation where there were no sureties, the accused persons should be allowed to providea  bank guarantee of N750 million

Justice Buba acceded to the request but ordered them to deposit their international passports with the EFCC. He further ordered  that they be remanded in prison custody until their bail conditions are fulfilled