Court Fines Two Motor Vessels N20m for Illegal Dealing in Petroleum Products

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State on Monday July 12, 2021 convicted and sentenced two Motor Vessels, MV NIPAL and MV SD WATERMAN to a fine of N10 million each.

The two motor vessels were arraigned by the Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one count charge each for dealing in petroleum products without lawful registration and appropriate license.

The charge against MV. SD WATERMAN reads. “That you MV. SD WATERMAN on or about 19th May 2019 at Escravos, Delta State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did without due registration and licence from appropriate authority engaged in Cabotage in the Nigeria territorial waters and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (1)&(2)of the Coaster and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, 2003 and punishable under Section 35(1) (c) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charge in writing based on the plea bargain agreement by the parties

In view of their pleas, Justice Okon Abang convicted and sentenced the two vessels to a fine of N10,000, 000 (Ten Million Naira) each.