Praise Isioye
The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has sentenced 10 individuals to different prison terms for engaging in illegal oil trade.
On Friday, November 6, 2026, Justice H.A. Nganjiwa delivered the sentences after the defendants admitted their guilt to charges of criminal conspiracy and illegal oil dealings filed by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The individuals convicted include James Terry, Gift Ezewu Godfrey, Obidi Peter Obi, Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo, Victor Edem Udo, and Sunday Ndem Eyere.
They faced a one charge count related to criminal conspiracy and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
One specific accusation against Victor Edem Udo stated that on or around August 8, 2026, in Koko, which is part of Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State, he dealt with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) that did not meet the expected quality standards.
The crime was reported as a violation of Section 1(18)(a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2004.
After pleading guilty, the prosecutor, Francis Jirbo, asked the court to convict and sentence the defendants appropriately.
In his ruling, Justice Nganjiwa sentenced James Terry and Gift Ezewu Godfrey to two years in prison each, but they had the option to pay a fine of N300,000 instead.
Obidi Peter Obi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo, and Victor Edem Udo received three years in prison each, with an option for a N300,000 fine.
Additionally, Sunday Ndem Eyere was sentenced to three years in prison with an option of a N400,000 fine. Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi was also given three years in prison but could choose to pay a fine of N350,000 instead.
The EFCC stated that the arrests of these individuals occurred after receiving information from the Office of the National Security Adviser about their suspicious behavior in Koko, Delta State.
They were subsequently arrested, investigated, and prosecuted by the commission, which led to their convictions.
About the Author
