Three Russians who are among 14 foreigners accused of dealing in crude oil without licence have jumped bail, the Federal High Court in Lagos heard on Monday.
Justice Ibrahim Buba issued a bench warrant for their arrest.
He also revoked the bail granted to other accused persons.
The judge ordered Zenith Bank Plc, which provided a bank guarantee for the bail granted the accused persons for N50million each, to appear and explain why the sum will not be forfeited.
Among the accused are Russians, Ukrainians, Japanese and English, namely Artur Pakhladzhian, Sergo Abbgarian, Vasily Shkundich, vitaliy Bilours, Hlarion Regipor, Laguta Oleksiy, Cadavis Gerarado, Kretov Andry, Badurian Benjamin, Chepikov Olksan, Naranjo Antero, Patro Christian, Alcayde Joel and Caratiquit Beyan.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged them after they were arrested by the Navy, which March 27 last year intercepted their vessel, MT Anukpet Emerald.
The vessel was laden with crude oil estimated at 1,738.087 metric tons.
Parties were to adopt their written addresses on Monday, but defence counsel, Babajide Koku (SAN), said the fourth, sixth and 11th defendants could not be found.
He said he contacted the Russian Embassy, but was told the embassy did not know the accused person’s whereabouts.
“As we speak, I do not know the whereabouts of the three. And it’s highly embarrassing to say this, my Lord,” Koku said.
The EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, prayed the court to order their arrest and to revoke the bail granted others.
Koku said: “The application for their arrest is definitely meritorious to secure their attendance.”
He, however, pleaded the sins of the three Russians should not be visited on the others by revoking their bail.
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