EFCC Presents Second Witness in MT Ostria Theft Case

On April 14, 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its second prosecuting witness, Bilikisu Buhari, in the ongoing trial concerning the vessel MT Ostria and its captain, Raymundo Panaligam, along with chief officer Roneno Villarin and Vincent Waya. They were arraigned on October 29, 2025, facing four counts of conspiracy and theft, violating sections 411 and 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.

The trial, presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, resumed with testimony from the NNPC representative regarding transactions involving the MT Ostria, which led to the EFCC's investigation. The witness detailed operational concerns and discrepancies that prompted notifications to the NMDPRA and the EFCC.

The court admitted several documents as evidence, establishing a commercial chain of transactions related to the alleged theft of 20.3 million liters of premium motor spirit. The matter was adjourned until April 15, 2026, for continued cross-examination.