Court remands man in prison over alleged unlawful dealing in petroleum products

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday remanded a 25-year-old man, Bakare Jelili, in prison custody over alleged unlawful dealing in petroleum products.

Jelili is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful dealing in petroleum products.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa, however, adjourned the case till Sept.16 for hearing of the bail application

The Prosecutor, DSP Mathew Omosun, told the court that the accused, and others at large, committed the offences on Aug. 18 at Abagbo in Apapa area of Lagos.

He said the accused loaded 300 jerry cans of 50 litres each with Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) worth N1 million without a licence.

According to Omosun, the accused had the intention of distributing and selling to the public the petroleum product, property of the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

He said that the offences committed contravened Sections 1(7), (a), 3(6) and 17(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federation, 2007.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

But the prosecutor urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending commencement of trial.

Counsel to the accused, Mr Mark-Anthony Akariele, asked the court for a further date to enable him file an application for bail.