Court Jails 10 for Illegal Petroleum Dealings in Warri

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has convicted and sentenced 10 persons for illegal dealing in petroleum products. The convicts, who pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products, were sentenced by Justice H.A. Nganjiwa on Friday, November 6, 2026. They were charged by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The defendants, who are James Terry, Gift Ezewu Godfrey, Obidi Peter Obi, Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo, Victor Edem, and Sunday Ndem Eyere, were found guilty of illegal dealing in petroleum products. One of the convicts, Victor Edem Udo, was specifically accused of dealing in Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) that was not of the expected quality at Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, on August 8, 2026.

The offence committed by the convicts is punishable under Section 1(18)(a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The EFCC, through its Benin Zonal Directorate, had brought the charges against the defendants, leading to their conviction and sentencing.

The sentencing of the 10 convicts is a significant achievement for the EFCC in its efforts to combat illegal dealings in petroleum products. The commission has been working to curb the menace of illegal oil bunkering and other related crimes in the country.

The convicts' guilty plea and subsequent sentencing also demonstrate the effectiveness of the EFCC's efforts in investigating and prosecuting cases related to illegal dealings in petroleum products. The court, by handing down the sentences, has sent a strong message to those engaging in such illegal activities.

The names of the convicts and the details of their offence have been made public, serving as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in similar illegal activities. The EFCC's action is also expected to help in reducing the incidence of illegal oil dealings in the country.

The case is one of many that the EFCC has handled in its efforts to combat corruption and related crimes in Nigeria. The commission's work in this area is crucial in protecting the country's economy and ensuring that those who engage in illegal activities are brought to justice.

Key points

• The convicts were charged with criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products.
• The offence is punishable under Section 1(18)(a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
• The sentencing of the 10 convicts demonstrates the effectiveness of the EFCC's efforts in investigating and prosecuting cases related to illegal dealings in petroleum products.