The unrelenting stance of the Ondo State Government against diversion and hoarding of petroleum products has continued to yield results.
Latest development shows that four persons are standing trial before an Owo Magistrate Court.
The accused persons: Lawrence, a fuel station Manager; Ernest Ehiegie 24 and Paul Maxwell 35, were arraigned before an Owo Magistrates Court for alleged conspiracy, stealing, and diversion of 32,000 litres of PMS worth over N1.6m.
Roports said all the accused and one Atens, who is at large, committed the offences on February 22, 2018 at Energy Filling Station, Owo, Ikare Old Road in the Owo Magisterial District.
According to the Prosecutor, Mr Erawa Ameh the accused persons conspired together and stole 32,000 litres of PMS inside the truck with registration number Delta AGB 446 XA by diverting the product from Akure to Owo against the way bill of the product property of Jokay/Zion Filling Station, Akure.
"The offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 516, 383(2), 390(8b), of the criminal code cap 37 vol.I laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006," it read.
The report added that the offence of diversion was contrary to and punishable under section 1 sub section 17(a)(b) of miscellaneous offence Act 2004 laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The accused persons though pleaded not guilty to the charges, the Presiding Magistrate, A.O Akintoye granted them bail, released the truck on bond while the product was ordered sold at the official price and proceeds deposited in the courts bank account.
The case was adjourned till 12th March, 2018 for hearing.
