The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Monday arraigned a Gambian, Baboucar Jallow, and a Senegalese, Ndiaga Ba, for allegedly dealing in 300 metric tonnes of diesel without license.
They were charged before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
A Nigerian, Abel Bassey, a vessel, MT Wolof and a firm, Japcco Limited, are the other defendants.
The EFCC, in the two-count charge, said the defendants conspired to unlawfully deal in petroleum products.
The alleged offence contravenes Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 2004 and punishable under Section 1(17).
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Defence counsel, Adegboyega Adetunji, urged the court to grant the suspects bail.
But, prosecuting counsel, Ekene Iheanacho, urged the court to refuse the foreigners’ bail application.
Justice Idris rejected the bail application and ordered that the defendants be kept in prison until the trial ends.
“I have read all the processes filed in this case and the submission of counsel on both sides. I cannot find my way clear in granting this application for bail.
“There is no evidence that the defendants are resident within the jurisdiction of this court.
“Therefore, bail is refused. Accelerated hearing of this case is hereby ordered,” the judge ruled.
Justice Idris adjourned till December 13 for trial.
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