EFCC Arraigns Vessel and Three Crew Members in Lagos Over Alleged Theft of 25 Million Litres of Petrol
Story: written by Zara October 30,2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged a vessel, MT Ostria, along with three individuals, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly stealing more than 25 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) belonging to NNPC Retail Limited.
The accused persons — Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin, and Mr. Vincent Wayas — were arraigned alongside the vessel on a four-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the defendants unlawfully conspired to divert 25,354,000 litres of petrol in violation of Sections 411 and 280 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, which are punishable under Section 287 of the same law.
One of the charges alleged that MT Ostria and the crew members conspired in January 2024 to steal 13,354,000 litres of petrol owned by NNPC Retail Limited. Another count accused them of dishonestly taking nine million litres of petrol on or about January 17, 2024, while a fourth count referenced the theft of an additional three million litres on the same date.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, urged the court to remand the suspects in a correctional centre, arguing that they posed a flight risk and could abscond if released.
However, the defence counsel countered that formal bail applications had been submitted and requested that the defendants remain under the administrative bail conditions earlier granted by the EFCC.
Justice Mojisola Dada upheld the existing EFCC bail conditions and adjourned the case to November 17 and 27, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
