Three businessmen on Thursday appeared before Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged stealing of 15,000 litres of petroleum products valued N1.3 million.

The accused persons Jamiu Ajani, 25, Damilola Lawrence, 30, Ramon Adedejo,42, of no fixed addresses, were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful tampering with petroleum pipeline and stealing.

Prosecutor Mathew Omosun told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences on July 2, at 1p.m., at Magedun Arepo, Ikorodu Area of Lagos State.

Omosun said the accused persons unlawfully tampered with petroleum pipeline and stole 15,000 litres of PMS, valued at N1.5 million, property of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He said that the accused persons dealt in the product without any lawful authority or appropriate licence.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 390 and 516 of the Criminal Code Act C38, Laws of the Federation 2004 as amended.

“The Sections contravened also includes 7 (a) and (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation 2004 as amended.”

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Omosun urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the determination of the case.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. O. O. Onun, urged the court to admit the accused to bail on liberal terms.

Justice Yunusa, however, remanded the accused in Ikoyi prison and adjourned the case till Sept. 3, for ruling on their bail applications. (NAN)