Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporter News
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the vessel MT Ostria alongside three crew members on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, Lagos, over allegations of petroleum theft involving more than 25 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) belonging to NNPC Retail Limited.
The accused, Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin, and Mr. Vincent Wayas, faced a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing, linked to significant quantities of PMS allegedly misappropriated in January 2024.
According to the EFCC, the defendants conspired to steal a total of 25,354,000 litres of PMS. Specific counts of the charge detail that they allegedly took 13,354,000 litres, 9,000,000 litres, and 3,000,000 litres of the product at different points in Lagos. The offences are said to contravene Sections 411 and 280 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, punishable under Section 287 of the same law.
When the charges were read, all defendants pleaded not guilty. Following the plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel Bilikisu Buhari requested that the court set a trial date and remand the accused in a correctional facility, citing concerns that the defendants were flight risks and could abscond from trial.
The defendants’ legal team countered, stating that bail applications had already been filed and requested that the defendants remain on the bail conditions previously granted by the EFCC.
Justice Dada ruled in favor of the existing bail conditions and adjourned the case to 17 and 27 November 2025 for the commencement of trial.
The EFCC stated that it remains committed to prosecuting cases of petroleum theft and other financial crimes to safeguard national resources and ensure accountability in the energy sector.
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