Six Benin Republic Nationals, 23 Others Arraigned for Bunkering in Nigeria
Court document revealed that the accused were arrested in a wooden boat laden with 140 empty drums believed to be stolen petroleum products at Lagos Anchorage Area alongside MT Matrix 1.
The charge reads, ”that you Houffo Ojidenu, Hounssa BegaKola, Paul Atuungbe, Hunssa Achilit, Honfo Emil and Honfo Djoelit on or about the 7th day of September, 2017 at Lagos Anchorage Apapa, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court attempted to commit an offence to wit: dealing in petroleum products in Nigeria without lawful authority or appropriate license and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(19) (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(17) (b) of the same Act
Meanwhile, the 23 others who were arrested in a separate patrol by the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, same day for a similar offence also pleaded not guilty. All the defendants have been remanded in prison till November 15, 2017 for commencement of trial
