The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 arraigned Adekunle Oshinigbosi, Momodu Ibrahim, Idowu Tuesday, Togbosi Christian, Benjamin Ayele, Anthony Mendeho and Oshine Resources Ventures Limited, before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a 2- count charge bordering on illegal fishing in Nigeria territorial waters.
The suspects were arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy on March 27, 2014 for allegedly fishing in Nigeria territorial waters without necessary approvals.
They were later transferred to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution. When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.
Count One of the charge read: “Adekunle Oshingbosi, Momodu Ibrahim, Idowu Tuesday, Togbosi Christian, Benjamin Ayele, Anthony Mendeho and Oshine Resources Ventures Limited on or about the 27th of March, 2014 at Lagos within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court being operators of FT Oyeyemi Motor fishing Boat operated the said Boat and fishing within the territorial waters of Nigeria without valid license contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(2) of the Sea Fisheries Act, Cap S4 LFN 2004”.
In view of their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Aliyu M. Yusuf, prayed the court to disregard their bail applications, stressing that his witnesses were ready.
However, counsel to all the defendants, Kehinde Yekeen, informed the court that he had filed applications for bail before the court and a written address. He prayed the court to grant the defendants bail.
Justice Ibrahim Buba, after listening to both counsel, granted all the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million( Ten Million Naira only) and one surety each.
He adjourned the matter till October 27; 29 and November 6, 2014 for hearing.
