Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday convicted 20 persons for illegal dealing and storing of petroleum products.

The convicts are Daniel Lebile, Ala Ibanibo, Wole Ajayi, Adesunloye Fani-Kayode, Michael Mgbanwa, Segun Ekundemi, Johnson Mashebinu, Ndidi Benjamin, Bright Nwaezuoke, Blessing Omoviye and Kayode Ireti.

Others are Chuks Isiwepkweni, Friday Nchikpa, Peter Bayo, Ubom Amos, Zuopamo Embiowei, Olabamerun Owolemi, Adams Husseini, Ebisingha Timmy and Godwin Oputeh.

The rest are MV Long Island and their companies, Afa Global Impex Services Limited and GFL Marine Service Limited.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses.

In his judgement, the judge held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond all reasonable doubt.

He therefore sentenced the convicts to two years imprisonment on each of the three counts, starting from December 2, 2014, when the convicts were arrested with an option of N200, 000 fine for each count.
The convicts are to forfeit all the seized vessels, cargoes and properties to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the jail terms will run concurrently.

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/202486-20-oil-thieves-bag-6-year-jail-terms.html

http://adesege.com/20-oil-thieves-bag-6-year-jail-terms/

The judiciary is waking up to its responsibility