N2.2bn subsidy scam: Ex-PDP chairman’s son, accomplice jailed 14 years each

By Adenike Ayodele

The protracted trial of Mamman Ali, son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Ahmadu Ali, and his associate, Christian Taylor, concluded on Tuesday with both men sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment for their involvement in a N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud.

The Ikeja Special Offences Court delivered the verdict following their conviction on an amended 57-count charge that included conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, and use of false documents.

The charges were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ali and Taylor, who were prosecuted alongside Nasaman Oil Services Ltd, were found guilty of fraudulently obtaining N1.9 billion from the Federal Government in 2011.

They claimed the funds represented subsidy payments under the Petroleum Support Fund for the importation of 20,492,982.50 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The EFCC revealed that the defendants alleged the PMS was purchased from SEATAC Petroleum Ltd, based in the British Virgin Islands, and imported into Nigeria.

However, the agency stated this claim was false, supported by forged documents including a falsified “Gasoline Analysis” report.

Throughout the trial, the defendants pleaded not guilty. The EFCC’s prosecution, led by Mr. Seiduh Atteh, presented nine witnesses and numerous incriminating documents. Both Ali and Taylor testified in their defense.

In her ruling, Justice Mojisola Dada found the prosecution’s evidence compelling and sufficient to convict.

She emphasized that the convicts’ actions not only defrauded the government but also undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s oil subsidy programme.

The court sentenced both men to 14 years’ imprisonment on all counts and ordered the forfeiture of assets linked to the fraud. Additionally, Justice Dada issued arrest warrants for Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdulafeez, two suspects still at large.