Fuel Subsidy Fraud: Tukur, Alao Seek Further Dialogue With EFCC

Two oil marketers, Mahmud Tukur and Abdullahi Alao have  requested for more time to discuss with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), regarding the charges preferred against them.

It was  reported that they made the request before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos High Court in Ikeja.

Mahmud is the son of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Abdullahi is the son of a prominent Ibadan-based businessman, Alhaji Abdullazeez Arikesola-Alao.

They were charged to court alongside Alex Ochonogor and Eternal Oil and Gas Plc, over alleged N1.8 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

At the resumed hearing last week, their counsel, Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) respectively said talks were still on with the commission.

Oyetibo said: “On the last adjourned date, counsel did take a second look at the matter. We are in the process and are asking for one more opportunity to come to terms.

“We have not been able to conclude because of certain reasons, but if we are given a little more time, we will be able to make progress.

EFCC counsel, Mrs Taiwo Ogunleye also confirmed the development.

The judge acceded to their request and adjourned the matter to Jan.30 to enable the parties conclude their discussions.

Meanwhile, the court also ordered the EFCC to release the international travelling documents of Tukur and Ochonogor to enable them travel to the United Kingdom and France for business purposes.