EFCC presents witness in alleged $25.3m theft case

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, presented its second prosecution witness in the ongoing trial involving the vessel MT Ostria and three others over the alleged theft of 25,354,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Retail Limited.

The case, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, involves the vessel, its captain, and other accused persons facing charges of conspiracy and stealing under Lagos State criminal law.

The witness, a representative of NNPC, testified on operational transactions and discrepancies that triggered investigations.

He explained that concerns arose after differences were discovered between discharge figures recorded by the vessel and receiving terminal data.

He further stated that the issue was escalated to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Department of State Services, and later the EFCC, leading to formal investigations.

The court adjourned the matter to April 15, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination.