In a significant crackdown on economic sabotage, Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought five foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over their alleged involvement in a massive N12 billion oil theft scheme.
International Defendants Face Justice
The accused individuals include three Russians—Kretov Alexsander, Baranovskiy Gennadiy, and Luluyev Andrey—alongside Ukrainian national Popenov Oleksandr and Philippine resident Cadavis John. They stand charged alongside their companies—Monjasa DMCC and Glencore Energy UK Ltd—for their purported roles in illegal oil bunkering activities.
The EFCC alleges that these foreign nationals and their corporations conspired to deal in 1,738.087 metric tonnes of crude oil without lawful authority or appropriate licenses, constituting a severe breach of Nigeria's petroleum laws.
Sophisticated Illegal Operations Uncovered
According to the anti-graft agency's investigation, the suspects were intercepted while illegally loading crude oil onto a vessel named MT HEROIC IDUN. The sophisticated operation involved the unauthorized transportation of petroleum products valued at over twelve billion naira, representing a significant economic loss to the Nigerian state.
The charges specifically reference violations of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, highlighting the gravity of the alleged crimes and the government's determination to prosecute economic saboteurs regardless of their nationality.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
When the charges were read before Justice P. M. Ayua, all five foreign nationals pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Their defense counsel, S. A. Owoeye, subsequently filed bail applications seeking their temporary release pending trial.
However, EFCC's prosecution counsel, E. K. Garba, opposed the bail requests, arguing that the defendants posed a flight risk given their foreign citizenship and the serious nature of the charges against them.
Judicial Ruling and Next Steps
Justice Ayua ultimately granted bail to the accused under stringent conditions, including the provision of reliable sureties who must be Nigerian citizens residing within the court's jurisdiction. The court has adjourned the case until July 3, 2024, for trial commencement, setting the stage for a closely watched legal battle.
This prosecution represents part of the EFCC's intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft, which has long plagued Nigeria's economy and deprived the nation of vital revenue needed for development projects and public services.
