SOME oil marketers and companies facing trial in the fraud suit instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have opted for an out of court settlement. The marketers - Mahmud Tukur, Abdullahi Alao, Ochonogor Alex and Eterna Oil and Gas Plc are into negotiations with the EFCC over the matter before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja.
At the resumed hearing of the matter before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo on Tuesday, counsel for the defendants, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), said their clients were having discussions with the EFCC over the charges preferred against them.
“We have studied the processes filed by the prosecution against our clients. As senior counsel, we owe it a duty to our clients to enter into discussion with the prosecution regarding the charges.
“With every sense of responsibility, I can inform my lord that we have not filed any process to challenge the allegations, so that it will not look like we are appropriating and reprobriating at the same. We are deliberating for more productive results and we will keep the court abreast of the situation
“We are, therefore, asking the court to give us more time to engage in this discussion so that the matter can be speedily resolved,” Olanipekun stated.
The anti-graft agency counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), confirmed that talks were ongoing between both parties, adding that there was no need to oppose the adjournment.
“I recognise the status of the counsel involved and there’s no reason to doubt them.”
Subsequently, Justice Onigbanjo adjourned the matter till December 13, 2012 for mention.
EFCC filed the suit against the defendants over allegations of committing N1.8 billion fuel subsidy fraud.
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