EFCC operatives
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned Joseph Shittu, an illegal oil dealer, in a Federal High Court in Lagos over unlawful dealings in 800 metric tonnes of petroleum products.
The defendant was charged before Justice Maureen Oyetenu, together with a vessel, MT OMUS, on two counts bordering on illegal oil deal.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
After his plea, the prosecution counsel, Mr U.U. Buhari, urged the court to give a date for trial of the defendant
But defence counsel, Mr Ikechukwu Ukadike, informed the court of a pending bail application of the defendant.
He, urged the court to admit the defendant to bail on the most liberal terms since the offence was bailable.
In her ruling, Justice Oyetenu, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum.
She ordered that the surety must be a civil servant not be below grade level 14, and must have a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction.
She also ordered the surety to present a three-years tax clearance, which will be verified by the court’s registry.
The Judge ordered the defendant to remain in the EFCC custody pending his remand at the Nigerian Correctional Service.
She adjourned the case until July 13. for trial .
According to the charge, the defendant committed the offence on Feb. 13, within the jurisdiction of the court.
He was alleged to have attempted to export 800 metric tonnes of petroleum product onboard the vessel MT OMUS, without appropriate license,
The offences contravenes the provisions of Section 1(17) and 1(19) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation 2004. (NAN)
