A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday sentenced one Clinton Onye, to five years imprisonment over illegal dealing in petroleum products.
The convict was arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on two- count charges bordering on conspiracy to deal in petroleum products, contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable thereunder.
One of the charges levelled against the convict reads, “That you, Clinton Onye, and one Okoro, (surname unknown and currently at large), on 19th day of November, 2019, at Eleme Alimini Road, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without lawful authority or license to deal in petroleum products , had in your possession, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Five( 875) liters of Automative Gas Oil (AGO) in a Sky-blue Volvo 240 Car, with registration number: Lagos BF 573 EKY and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable thereunder”.
The convict pleaded guilty to the charges after being read to his hearing.
His plead made the prosecuting counsel, S.M.H. Ibekwute pray the court to sentence him accordingly.
However, defense counsel, B. J.O. Ekowo pleaded for leniency, assuring the court that he had become remorseful.
Delivering judgment Justice Abubakar found Onye guilty and sentenced him to five years imprisonment with an option of fine of N300,000.