In Asaba, Delta State, a Federal High Court has ordered the remand of 12 individuals suspected of crude oil theft in the Nigerian Correctional Service facility. The defendants were brought before the court on a two-count charge and all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case, identified as charge no: FHC/ASB/93C/23, involves the Federal Government of Nigeria as the complainant and the defendants named as Cobbina Paul & ORS. Following the defendants’ not guilty pleas, the prosecuting counsel, O. F. Okai, expressed the intention to apply for a trial date.
The prosecuting counsel further requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. In response, the defendants’ counsel, Paul Ejiga, made a verbal application for bail, stating that they had just been informed about the trial.
In ruling on the matter, Justice F.A. Olubanjo instructed the defense to file a formal application for bail. He emphasized that an oral application would not be sufficient, even if the prosecution did not oppose it.
Consequently, the judge ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ogwashi-Uku. He also informed the parties that during the court’s long vacation starting from July 24, 2023, any bail applications should be forwarded to the vacation court in Port Harcourt.
The trial has been adjourned to October 26, when proceedings will commence.
