The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought criminal charges against three foreign crew members and their vessel over the alleged theft of petrol worth ₦12 billion.
Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin, and Vincent Wayas appeared before Justice Mojisola Dada at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Wednesday alongside the MT Ostria vessel.
They’re accused of stealing over 25 million litres of fuel belonging to NNPC Retail Limited.
The anti-graft agency claims the defendants worked together to steal the petrol in January 2024, violating Lagos State’s criminal laws on conspiracy and theft.
The charges detail three separate incidents: 13.35 million litres in one count, nine million litres stolen around January 17, and another three million litres during the same period.
All three men denied the allegations when the charges were read in court.
EFCC prosecutor Bilikisu Buhari asked the judge to remand the defendants in custody, warning they could flee the country if released.
The defence lawyers countered that they’d already filed bail applications and requested the men remain on their current EFCC bail terms.
Justice Dada sided with the defence, allowing the accused to stay on existing bail conditions. The trial is scheduled to begin on November 17 and 27, 2025.
The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat fuel theft in Nigeria, where stolen petroleum products cost the country billions annually.
