An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Felicia Paul, has told a Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja how a businessman, Peter Otomewu, allegedly defrauded a petroleum services firm, Virgin Forest Energy Limited, of $75,000.
Paul gave her testimony before Justice Mojisola Dada during the ongoing trial of Otomewu and his company, Pebeto Enerji Limited, who are facing charges of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.
According to the EFCC witness, the defendant allegedly secured the funds after claiming ownership of a vessel, MT AYSU, which he said was capable of transhipping petroleum products from a mother vessel.
Prosecuting counsel, Spiff Owede, told the court that the alleged offences were committed in 2018 when the defendant reportedly made false representations to obtain the money.
He added that the sum of $75,000 was dishonestly converted for personal use.
The EFCC had earlier arraigned Otomewu and his firm on June 24, 2025, on a two-count charge.
However, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
While testifying, Paul stated that the complainant paid the agreed sum of $75,000 in two instalments—$50,000 in cash and $25,000 later—out of a total project cost of $100,000.
She noted that although receipts were issued, the defendant allegedly failed to execute the contract.
She further told the court that after demands for a refund, the defendant returned $25,000, leaving an outstanding balance of $50,000.
The witness also revealed that while the company is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, it is not registered with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Additionally, she said the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) confirmed that the vessel in question was neither registered in Nigeria nor authorised to operate in Nigerian waters.
Investigations further indicated that another vessel with a similar name is registered under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Justice Dada subsequently adjourned the case until April 20 for continuation of trial proceedings.
Written by Wahab Akinlade