SUBSIDY FRAUD: FG Drops Charges Against 2 Oil Marketers

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The criminal charge filed against two oil marketers, Integrated Resources Limited, Pinacle Oil and Gas and two of their directors, Durosola Omogbenigun and Peter Mba in respect of fuel subsidy scam was this morning struck out.

When the matter was mentioned today, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that he has received instructions from the Attorney General of the Federation to withdraw the charge filed before the court.

Consequently, he urged the court to strike out the charge since it has not been served on the defendants.Olayide Adedapo, the counsel who represented the defendants did not raise any objection.

Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice Candide-Johnson in his ruling said “the charge having been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecution is hereby struck out.”

Later Tuesday night, the EFCC explained the reason behind the withdrawal of the charges.

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The Commission in a short statement circulated to media houses and signed by Wilson Uwajaren, its spokesperson said the withdrawal was to enable it firm up the charges against the accused in view of new information against them at its disposal.

The statement reads: “The withdrawal of the charges against Pinnacle Oil and Gas Plc and others was deliberate.

“In the face of fresh evidence, the Commission felt the need to firm up the charges, fully convinced that it is better to consolidate the charges ahead of formal arraignment than to start making amendments thereafter,” the Commission concluded.

—Akin Kuponiyi & Funmi Yahaya

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