The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought a vessel, MT Ostria, and three of its officials before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly stealing more than 13 million litres of petrol valued at over ₦12 billion.

According to court documents, the fuel — belonging to NNPC Retail Limited — was reportedly siphoned in January 2024. Those charged include the vessel’s captain, Raymundo Panaligam, its chief officer, Roneno Villarin, and Vincent Wayas, an employee of GMO Inspectorate Firm who was overseeing the cargo on behalf of NNPC.

The EFCC accused the defendants of conspiring to divert 13,324,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), in violation of Sections 411 and 280 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015. The alleged theft was said to have occurred in separate batches of nine million litres and three million litres at different times in January.

All defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. EFCC prosecutor Bilikisu Buhari asked the court to remand them in custody, arguing they might flee the country if granted bail. However, defence lawyers urged the court to retain the bail terms earlier granted by the EFCC, noting that the accused had complied with all previous conditions.

Justice Mojisola Dada ruled that the defendants should remain on their existing EFCC bail and adjourned the trial to November 17 and 27, 2025.

The case is one of several ongoing efforts by the EFCC and NNPC to combat large-scale theft of refined petroleum products. Over the last two years, the Nigerian Navy has intercepted more than 70 vessels and arrested over 200 suspects in connection with oil-related crimes — highlighting the persistent challenge of fuel theft in Nigeria’s oil sector.