The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject the bail application filed by alleged notorious oil bunkerer and terrorism suspect Ugochukwu Lucky Ibekwe, also known as Chief Onwa, who is facing multiple criminal charges, including terrorism, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, bribery, and money laundering.
The government alleged that Ibekwe operated an extensive illegal crude oil refining network that resulted in the deaths of more than 500 people through oil spills and environmental degradation, while causing significant economic losses to Nigeria.
At the hearing before Justice Salim Ibrahim, counsel to the defendant, Damian Okoro (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that Ibekwe is a kidney transplant patient requiring specialized medical care.
The defence also contended that the prosecution had not established a prima facie case linking the defendant to the terrorism allegations, particularly the claim that his activities caused the deaths of over 500 people.
Okoro assured the court that Ibekwe would not abscond or interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, describing the charges as capital offences that attract penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death sentence upon conviction.
Oyedepo argued that bail in such cases is granted only under exceptional circumstances, adding that the defendant failed to provide sufficient medical evidence from a government hospital to support his health claims.
FG Raises Security Concerns
The prosecution also expressed concerns about the safety of witnesses expected to testify during the trial.
According to the Federal Government, the seriousness of the allegations and the need to protect witnesses justify keeping the defendant in custody while the trial proceeds.
The prosecution therefore urged the court to refuse bail and instead order an accelerated hearing of the case.
Court Fixes July 1 for Ruling
After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Salim Ibrahim adjourned the matter until July 1 for ruling on the bail application and the commencement of trial.
Allegations Against Ugochukwu Ibekwe
According to the eight-count charge filed by the Federal Government, Ibekwe is accused of:
- Conspiring to operate illegal crude oil refining sites between 1999 and 2025.
- Tampering with oil pipelines and siphoning crude oil in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
- Running an organised criminal syndicate involved in oil theft and economic sabotage.
- Causing the deaths of more than 500 people through oil spills linked to illegal refining activities.
- Paying ₦2 million to a public official to influence investigations.
- Paying ₦300,000 to another public official to allow illegal operations without interference.
- Receiving ₦1 million and agreeing to collect ₦2 million weekly to permit illegal pipeline tapping.
- Laundering proceeds of alleged illegal oil dealings through the construction of De Bliss Hotel in Rivers State.
The charges were filed under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, the Miscellaneous Offences Act, the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, and Nigeria’s Money Laundering laws.
The defendant has not been convicted, and the allegations remain before the court.
