Military Forcefully Seizes Suspected Oil Bunkerers from Police Custody- IGP Reveals

Military Forcefully Seizes Suspected Oil Bunkerers from Police Custody- IGP Reveals

In a startling revelation, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) discloses to a Federal High Court in Abuja that the military forcibly removed suspects linked to oil bunkering from police custody.

During proceedings before Justice James Omotosho, Counsel to the IGP, Idris Mohammed, unveiled this alarming development, shedding light on a disturbing incident involving the suspects and the armed forces.

The IGP had initiated legal action against 19 individuals accused of involvement in oil bunkering activities, including MT Harbor Spirit, Muhammad Malik Sidique, and Joju Oil and Gas Ltd, among others. However, during the arraignment, only Muhammad Malik Sidique appeared in court, prompting Mohammed to reveal that the remaining suspects had been taken away by the military during a visit to their custody.

Expressing concern over the situation, Justice Omotosho criticized the use of the term “at large” to describe the missing defendants, highlighting the contradiction in Mohammed’s statements. Despite the defense’s plea for administrative bail for Sidique, the judge declined, emphasizing the court’s stance on such matters.

In response to the judge’s directives, Mohammed sought leave to amend the charges and rectify discrepancies in the case. However, Justice Omotosho ordered the prosecution to serve the charges on the defendants in military custody, ensuring their presence in court for proper legal proceedings.

As the legal saga unfolds, the case underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in prosecuting alleged offenders involved in illicit activities, requiring meticulous attention to procedural fairness and justice.