A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday convicted nine foreign citizens for stealing 3,423.097 metric tons of crude oil from Nigeria.
Among the convicts were five Filipinos and four Bangladeshes.
They had been intercepted by the Nigerian Navy on March 27, 2015, while trying to export the stolen product loaded in their vessel, MT Asteris, out of the country.
On Tuesday, Justice Ibrahim Buba convicted them on four counts bordering on the crime and sentenced each of them to a jail term of five years with an option of N20m fine.
In handing down the sentence, Buba said he was satisfied that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which prosecuted the convicts, proved its case beyond reasonable doubts. “The case of the prosecution is as clear as the daylight,” the judge held, adding that the failure of the convicts to supply the evidence that they had lawful permit to deal in crude oil further strengthened the prosecution’s case. The product was illegally sourced in Nigeria as “the Department of Petroleum Resources confirmed to the EFCC that MT Asteris was not licensed to deal with crude oil in Nigeria.”
The judge said it was the likes of the convicts that made Nigeria a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. Adding that it was not right for anyone to deprive the country the enjoyment of its natural resources through illegal means.
Buba said the court had the duty to send a strong signal to Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike that the country had laws and the laws were enforceable. “It is not right for either Nigerians or foreign nationals to deny this country its God-given natural resources through illegal means. Accordingly, this court hereby sentenced each convict to five years term of imprisonment on count one with effect from March 27, 2015 with an option of N5m fine,” the judge held. He also sentenced them to five years each on counts two, three and four or a fine of N5m on each count.
He said: “All the sentences are to run concurrently, but not the option of fine. In addition, the vessel, MT Asteris, and the cargo on board are forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. “For purposes of clarity, each convict is to serve five years term of imprisonment with effect from 27 of March, 2015, or pay fines of N20m for all the four counts.” The foreigners who were convicted and jailed are Axel Jabone, Zahirul Islam, Juanito Infantado, Suarin Alave and Gatila Gadayan.
Others are Islam Shahinul, Islam Rafiqul, Shaikh Nomany and Rolando Comendador.
I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist
Posted: at 16-12-2015 06:22 AM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero
5yrs with option of fine?? They are practically walking away with a kiss on their cheeks. Seriously, we need to revamp and update our criminal laws. Certainly, you cant try such in western countries with such mild punishments... Philippines and Bangladesh will hang you if you steal from their nation's wealth.
Posted: at 16-12-2015 06:57 AM (8 years ago) | Gistmaniac
Good judgement. D jail term is too small sef. They shld have jail them 10 to 15yrs so other foreigners will not see Nigeria as a milking ground . Am looking forward to wen they jail american citizens.
Posted: at 16-12-2015 07:21 AM (8 years ago) | Addicted Hero
That was great, its gud that they serve them well. They surpose taste in nigeria prison if not fine this judge go add. Nw they will knw this country was not like before.
Posted: at 16-12-2015 08:26 AM (8 years ago) | Hero
roberttexas at 16-12-2015 09:19 AM (8 years ago) (m)
Judge have collected bribe settle prosecution council before the judgement. This is a big slap to Nigerians from our judiciary .how can ordinary street stealing case of a Nigerian citizen be sentenced to 5 years then a foreigner who sabotage crude oil worth billions be sentenced to 5 years instead of 25 year and fine . Buhari should call for quick investigation of that criminal judge ans all the prosecution council.
Posted: at 16-12-2015 09:19 AM (8 years ago) | Newbie
The Judge is a scum,why not ask them who brought them down to Naija 4 such business?A nigerian must be involved in this act,these guys nid to reveal more of their sponsors.
Posted: at 16-12-2015 12:08 PM (8 years ago) | Hero
osarobo62 at 16-12-2015 04:07 PM (8 years ago) (m)
a judge cannot just sentence anybody to prison terms based on his mood or emotions......there are laid down sentencing guidelines he must follow. maybe those guidelines needs to be reviewed. also remember, the oil was recovered and the tanker forfeited to the federal govt. to me, the judgement is fair.
Posted: at 16-12-2015 04:07 PM (8 years ago) | Hero
zezprincess at 17-12-2015 07:10 AM (8 years ago) (f)
Honestly,the jail term is too poor cos if na their side now,them go imprison naija citizens with not less than 30yrs,here judge u come give am fine&only five yrs,every thing must not be money matter in naija,wherever if u imprison or to bail person,he go pay fine,just teach them better lesson of more jail terms so that if they come out,they will not repeat d act.
Posted: at 17-12-2015 07:10 AM (8 years ago) | Hero
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