A Lagos Federal High Court, today, ordered the remand of 10 men in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) till September 27, 2023 when thier bail applications will be heard and determined.
Justice Akintoye Aluko made the remand order, after their arraignment by the operatives of the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NCDSC).
The 10 men ordered to be remanded were: Adewale Abisoye, Oliver Sena, Wisdom Michael, Jonah Alari, Dafe Empire, Raphael Kumake, Asukwo Okonabia, Oyekan Fatia, Peter John and Isiaka Dosa.
The alleged vandals were brought before the court on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy, willfully tamper with pipeline and unlawful authority to transport petroleum products.
NCDSC lawyer, Mrs. Okandeji Erute, who arraigned the 10 men, told the court that they allegedly conspired to commit the offences on August 20, 2023 at about 00. 41 hours.
She told the court that the defendants vandalized a pipeline belonging to NNPCL/SPM on the high sea, within the court’s jurisdiction.
The prosecutor told the court that the alleged illegal acts of the defendants contravened section 3(6) and 1(7)(a)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences AP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(7)(b) of Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendants denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their not guilty plea, Okandeji asked the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendants in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service.
But the defendants lawyer, Mr A. A. Omiunu in his submission informed the court that he intends to file a bail summon and pleaded with the court for a short adjournment.
After taken submissions of parties, Justice Aluko in his bench ruling, ordered the remand of all the defendants in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS), while adjourned further trial till September 27, 2023, for hearing of their bail applications
