… Court convicts Nasaman Oil boss and Sierra Leonean partner in landmark anti-corruption ruling
A Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Ahmadu Ali, and a Sierra Leonean oil marketer, Christian Taylor, to 14 years imprisonment each over a ₦2.2 billion fuel subsidy fraud.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the high-profile judgment, delivered on Tuesday by Justice Mojisola Dada, marks the end of over a decade-long legal battle involving the fraudulent diversion of petroleum subsidy funds through falsified claims and forged documents.”
Fraud Worth Over ₦2.2 Billion
The two convicts, along with their firm Nasaman Oil Services Limited, were re-arraigned on an amended 57-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money under false pretences, forgery, and use of falsified documents to fraudulently secure fuel subsidy claims from the Federal Government.
They were initially facing 49 counts, but new evidence uncovered by the prosecution led to the filing of additional charges.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, the court found them guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Breakdown of Fraudulent Claims
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the convicted marketers engaged in a grand scheme to fraudulently obtain subsidy funds through non-existent fuel importation.
Key charges include:
- On November 9, 2011, the defendants allegedly obtained ₦749,991,273.36 by falsely claiming that Nasaman Oil Services had imported 10,031,986 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) under the Petroleum Support Fund.
- On April 11, 2011, they purportedly claimed ₦1,480,074,125.61 in subsidy for 20,492,982.50 litres of PMS, allegedly brought in through shell companies registered in the British Virgin Islands.
The EFCC said no actual importation of fuel occurred, and the documents submitted were falsified to claim public funds.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
Following the withdrawal of Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, the case was reassigned to Justice Mojisola Dada, who conducted a fresh trial.
Prosecuting counsel Seiduh Atteh presented strong documentary evidence and multiple witnesses, including regulatory authorities and forensic experts, to support the EFCC’s case.
Justice Dada, in her judgment, declared:
“This is not only a serious breach of trust but a calculated assault on the integrity of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy programme. The evidence before the court is overwhelming.”
Additional Orders: Asset Forfeiture and Arrest Warrants
Beyond the prison sentences, Justice Dada also ordered the forfeiture of assets and bank accounts linked to the fraudulent subsidy claims.
She further issued bench warrants for the arrest of two other suspects—Oluwaseun Ogunbambo and Olabisi Abdul-Afeez—who are currently at large.
Who is Mamman Nasir Ali?
Mamman Nasir Ali is the son of retired Colonel Ahmadu Ali, a former Minister of Education and Health, and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His involvement in this criminal case has drawn public attention due to his political lineage and the scale of the financial crime.
Public Reactions and Significance
Anti-corruption advocates and civil society groups have praised the judgment as a milestone in Nigeria’s battle against oil subsidy corruption.
The fuel subsidy regime, long marred by fraud, has cost the country billions of naira in fictitious claims. This conviction adds to a growing list of legal victories against subsidy racketeers.
What you should know
The sentencing of Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor to 14 years in prison over a ₦2.2 billion fuel subsidy fraud is a significant blow to financial crime in Nigeria. It affirms the judiciary’s willingness to hold even politically connected individuals accountable.
As the government moves to eliminate fuel subsidies entirely, this case underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the petroleum sector.
