Abu Jibia’s Reversal of Fortunes
Abu Ali Jibia, who hails from Delta State, made his name as a businessman dealing in oil and gas. He works hard for his money, so he spoils himself with all the good things of life. His popularity even soars beyond his home state to neighbouring states.
But sometime in 2013, he had a brush with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, over his alleged involvement in illegal bunkering.
Ali Jibia is facing a trial alongside 10 others on a fivecount charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful dealing in Automated Gas Oil, (AGO), popularly called Diesel, unlawful distribution of adulterated petroleum products and dealing in petroleum product that was below expected quality before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. It was also gathered that his company vessel, MT Swordfish, worth several millions of dollars, was apprehended.
They were alleged to have stored and distributed two barges and two petrol tanker trucks of adulterated Automated Gas Oil (AGO) on May 22, 2013, at Liberty Jetty, Marina, Lagos, without lawful licence.
His biggest headache, at the moment, is that the case has dragged on for too long, thereby digging a hole in his pocket.
A source revealed that he is currently suffering a reversal of fortune due to millions of Naira he has expended on the matter that has dragged for five years without any headway.