Crude Oil Thief Bags Two Years Jail Term

Justice A. T. Mohammed of a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has convicted and sentenced Yoosu Alex to two years imprisonment for illegal dealing in petroleum products without an appropriate licence.

Alex’s started his journey to the Correctional Centre when he was arrested by the Anti-Bunkering Team of the Nigerian Navy, in Soroh, Bayelsa State on 6th December 2021, onboard a vessel laden with about 700,000 litres of products suspected to be illegal- refined crude oil, without any proof of authority from the Nigerian Navy or any lawful authority in Nigeria.

He was handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.

The convict was jailed on Wednesday, 6fh April 2022 after pleading “guilty” to a one-count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for illegally dealing in petroleum products.

The count charge read: “That you, Yoosu Alex, on or about the 6th day of December 2021, around the creek on Akassa River, Bayelsa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority and license, dealt in crude oil to wit: 700,000 litres conveyed in MT. TIS IV and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(17) (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2004 and punishable under Section 1 (17) (b) of the same Act”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, K. W. Chukwuma-Eneh prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant as charged.

Meanwhile, counsel to the defendant, B. C. Okeadaka prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that he is a first-time offender and has no previous criminal records.

Justice Mohammed convicted and sentenced Alex to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) only payable into the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He also ordered that the convict should depose to an affidavit of good behaviour before the court.