Peter Obi, nine others sent to prison in Delta

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has convicted and sentenced 10 persons for illegal dealing in petroleum products following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice H.A. Nganjiwa handed down the sentences on Friday, November 6, 2026, after all 10 defendants pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of criminal conspiracy and illegal dealing in petroleum products brought against them by the EFCC’s Benin Zonal Directorate.

The convicts are James Terry, Gift Ezewu Godfrey, Obidi Peter Obi, Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo, Victor Edem and Sunday Ndem Eyere.

Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

In the charge against Victor Edem Udo, the EFCC alleged that he dealt in automotive gas oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, which was not of the quality expected of the product, at Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, on August 8, 2026.

The alleged offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 1(18)(a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Revised Edition) 2004.

In his judgment, Justice Nganjiwa sentenced James Terry and Gift Ezewu Godfrey to two years’ imprisonment each, with an option of a N300,000 fine each.

Obidi Peter Obi, Victor Ataria Sule, Jubril Abubakar, Auwal Aliyu, Nnaemeka Nwobodo and Victor Edem were each sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N300,000 fine.

The court also sentenced Sunday Ndem Eyere to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N400,000 fine, while Anthony Onyebuchi Edekobi received three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N350,000 fine.

The EFCC said the defendants’ arrest followed intelligence received from the Office of the National Security Adviser about their suspicious activities in Koko, Delta State.

The intelligence prompted their arrest and subsequent prosecution by the commission, culminating in their conviction and sentencing.