The defendants, Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin, and Mr. Vincent Wayas faced a four-count charge of conspiracy and theft, with the vessel also named as a defendant.

Prosecutors allege the group conspired to siphon 25,354,000 litres of PMS in total. The charges cite violations of Sections 411 and 280 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, punishable under Section 287.

One count states: “MT Ostria, Captain Raymundo A. Panaligam, Chief Officer Roneno Villarin and Mr. Vincent Wayas sometime in January 2024 in Lagos… conspired amongst yourselves to commit felony, to wit: stealing of Thirteen Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand (13,354,000) litres of Premium Motor Spirit, property of NNPC Retail Limited.

”Another specifies: “MT OSTRIA, CAPTAIN RAYMUNDO A. PANALIGAM, CHIEF OFFICER RONENO VILLARI and MR. VINCENT WAYAS on or about 17th January 2024 in Lagos… dishonestly took (Nine Million) 9,000,000.00 litres of Premium Motor Spirit Property of NNPC Retail Limited.”

A third alleges they stole an additional 3,000,000 litres on the same date.All defendants entered not guilty pleas.

Prosecuting counsel Bilikisu Buhari requested a trial date and remand in custody, arguing the defendants posed a flight risk with little incentive to appear if bail were granted.

Defense counsel noted that bail applications were already filed and asked the court to maintain the administrative bail previously extended by the EFCC.

Justice Dada ordered the defendants to remain on the existing EFCC bail terms and adjourned the matter to November 17 and 27, 2025, for trial to begin.