Court Jails 10 For Illegal Dealing In Petroleum Products In Warri
Convicts pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy and dealing in substandard diesel in Koko, Delta State
A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has convicted and sentenced 10 persons for illegal dealing in petroleum products. Justice H.A. Nganjiwa handed down the sentences on Friday, November 6, 2026, after all 10 defendants pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Benin Zonal Directorate. The convicts 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.
The charge against Victor Edem Udo reads: “That you, Victor Edem Udo (m), on or about the 8th day of August 2026, at Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did deal in petroleum products (Automotive Gas Oil) AGO which is not of the quality expected of the product and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(18)(a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2004.” The EFCC said the defendants’ arrest followed intelligence received from the Office of the National Security Adviser about their suspicious activities in Koko, Delta State.
Justice Nganjiwa convicted and sentenced James Terry and Gift Ezewu Godfrey to two years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine. Obidi Peter Obi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo and Victor Edem were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine. The court also sentenced Sunday Ndem Eyere to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦400,000 fine, while Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi received three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦350,000 fine.
The EFCC disclosed the convictions in a statement published on its official X handle on Friday. The Commission said the prosecution underscores its resolve to clamp down on illegal petroleum dealings and the circulation of substandard products in the country. It warned operators in the downstream sector to comply with the law or face prosecution.
