A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has convicted and sentenced 10 persons for illegal dealing in petroleum products.
Justice H.A. Nganjiwa handed down the sentences on Friday, November 6, 2026, after the defendants pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicts are James Terry, Gift Ezewu Godfrey, Obidi Peter Obi, Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo, Victor Edem and Sunday Ndem Eyere.
The charge alleged that the defendants dealt in petroleum products, including Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), which did not meet the required quality standards, contrary to Section 1(18)(a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Following their guilty pleas, EFCC prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
The judge sentenced James Terry and Gift Ezewu Godfrey to two years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a N300,000 fine.
Obidi Peter Obi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo and Victor Edem were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment or a N300,000 fine.
Sunday Ndem Eyere received a three-year jail term or a ₦400,000 fine, while Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment or a N350,000 fine.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were arrested following intelligence from the Office of the National Security Adviser about their suspicious activities in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The commission subsequently investigated and prosecuted them, leading to their conviction.
