Fuel subsidy scam: Sons of Tukur, Ahmadu Ali, Arisekola-Alao, others in court
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National
Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, was among
suspects charged with alleged fuel subsidy
fraud in Lagos yesterday. The Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is
prosecuting. However, the absence of a co-
suspect, Alex Ochonogor, forced Justice
Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos High Court
sitting in Ikeja to adjourn the matter till noon
today. Other suspects are Abdullahi Alao and
Eterna Oil and Gas.
Also yesterday, the absence of another suspect, Walter Wagastsoma and the Attorney-
General of the Federation/ Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), also forced Justice
Habeeb Abiru of Lagos High Court to adjourn sitting.
The trial of those indicted by the House of Representatives Ad Hoc committee that probed
the fuel subsidy payments suffered a setback on Tuesday when judges’ vacation stalled its
commencement. Nine oil companies – Nasaman Oil Services, Eterna Oil and Gas Plc, Ontario
Oil and Gas Plc, Nadabo Energy Limited, Pacific Silver Lane Limited, Axenergy Limited, Fago
Petroleum and Gas Limited, Integrated Resources Limited and Pinnacle Oil Gas were slated
to appear before Justices Abiru and Onigbanjo on Tuesday and yesterday.
Also, individuals allegedly indicted in the probe report are Mamman Nasir Ali, Christian
Taylor, Mahmud Tukur, Alex Ochchogor, Walter Wagbatsoma, Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Kauade B.,
Ebenezer, Ezekiel Oluleye Ejidele, Abubakar Ali Peters, Jude Agube Abalaka, Abdulahi Alao,
Oluwasegun Ogunbanbo, Durosola Omogbenigan and Peter Mba. As at 10.30a.m, yesterday,
four of the five oil marketers that were supposed to be arraigned before Justice Abiru were
present while the first defendant, Wagastsoma, was absent.
Others on the charge sheet were Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi, Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer, Ezekiel
Olaleye Ejidele and Ontario Oil and Gas. Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, applied or an
adjournment on the grounds that the Attorney-General, who had decided to lead the
prosecution and Wagastsoma, the first defendant were not around.
“My Lord, the first defendant is not in court. It is important he appears in court for the matter
to yield any result,” Jacobs said. Justice Onigbanjo could not also sit on the matter involving
Tukur, Ochonogor, Alao and Eterna Oil and Gas. The judge after meeting with counsel in his
chamber decided to adjourn till today. His decision, it was gathered, was premised on the
absence of Ochonogor, one of the defendants.
The indicted marketers and their companies were charged with allegations bordering on
conspiracy, forgery, obtaining under false pretence and use of false documents to collect
various sums of money from the Federal Government under the Petroleum Support Fund
(PSF).
Their arraignment came months after the probe of the House committee allegedly indicted
them.
INDICTED OIL FIRMS
• Ontario Oil and Gas Plc
• Nadabo Energy Limited
• Fago Petroleum & Gas Ltd
• Axenergy Limited
• Ontario Oil and Gas Plc
• Pacific Silver Line Limited
• Nasaman Oil Services
•Integrated Resources Ltd
INDICTED PERSONS
• Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele
• Jude Agube Abalaka
• Peter Mba
• Ochonogor Alex
• Mamman Nasir Ali
• Christian Taylor
• Fakuade B. Ebenezer
• Durosola Omogbenigun
• Mahmud Tukur
• Abdullahi Alao
• Oluwasegun Ogunbanbo
• Abubakar Ali Peters
• Walter Wagbatsoma
• Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi
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