Justice E. S Chukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Monday revoked the bail earlier granted to one Ibrahim Saidu, who is standing trial alongside one Joseph Amaechi and 12 others in a case of conspiracy and illegal oil bunkering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The other accused are: Israel Friday, Ubadia Francis, Abayomi Adebisi, Abdullahi Idris, Samuel Job, Onah Peter Ode, Sabo Tasha Hassan, Abdullahi Moh’d, Abubakar Abdulkadir, Ehiogu Paul, Ibrahim Saidu, Garba Mohammed and Bartholomew Onyema.

At the resumed hearing of the case today, Salisu A. Majidadi announced his appearance for the prosecution while D. M Ogolime and Abdullahi Liman represented the accused persons, setting the stage for the defence to open its case.

Having already enjoyed several adjournments, Ogolime again told the court that the 12th accused person, Ibrahim Saidu had a challenge while travelling and could not make it to court. She urged the court to oblige them an adjournment till tomorrow when hopefully the accused will be present in court.

Apparently angered by the application, Justice Chukwu revoked the bail of the accused person. The trial judge had at the last sitting on March 12, 2015 threatened to revoke the bail earlier granted the accused persons should they further fail to be physically present in court.

He warned that his court would not entertain deliberate attempts by any counsel to frustrate trial through frivolous applications.

The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, April 14, 2015 for continuation of hearing.

It would be recalled that the 14 suspected oil thieves were docked on May 9, 2013, on a four- count charge of willful and malicious breaking of oil pipelines which they all pleaded not guilty to.

Following their pleas, Justice Chukwu admitted the accused persons to bail on June 12, 2013.

However, after the close of the prosecution’s case almost a year ago, the defence has been employing all means known to law to frustrate the case as a result of which the court has granted several adjournments

It would be recalled that the accused persons were arrested at Toto Military checkpoint, Nasarawa State with 14 trailer load of suspected stolen crude oil after a failed attempt to bribe their way through.

•Photo shows justice symbol

Update news