Emmanuel Ukudolo I Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – A massive N12 billion oil theft plot was dragged into a Lagos courtroom on Wednesday as a huge tanker and three men faced charges over the alleged stealing of over 13 million litres of fuel.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) hauled the vessel MT Ostria, along with its captain and chief officer, before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja.
Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin, and Nigerian inspection staffer Vincent Wayas all pleaded NOT GUILTY to a four-count charge, including conspiracy and theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, belonging to NNPC Retail Limited.
The anti-graft agency claims the trio conspired to swipe a colossal 13,354,000 litres of fuel.
One count specifically alleges that in January 2024, they dishonestly took 9,000,000 litres of the precious commodity.
The charge claims another 3,000,000 litres was also stolen, bringing the total volume allegedly lifted to more than 13 million.
Prosecuting barrister Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari urged the court to throw the defendants in jail, arguing the sailors were a serious “flight risk” and could vanish if allowed bail.
But defence counsel fought back, reminding the judge that the men had obeyed their previous EFCC administrative bail conditions.
Justice Mojisola Dada sided with the defence, ruling the three men could remain on their existing bail.
The case has been adjourned, with the explosive trial set to kick off later next year on November 17 and 27, 2025.
