Lagos Court Jails Nasir Ali, One Other for ₦2.2 Billion Oil Subsidy Fraud

A Lagos State High Court has sentenced Nasir Ali, the son of a former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and one other accomplice to 14 years in prison for their roles in a multi-billion naira oil subsidy fraud.

The two convicts, Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor, were found guilty of defrauding the Federal Government of ₦2.2 billion under the guise of fuel importation through their company, Nasaman Oil Services Limited. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the case as part of its broader crackdown on fraud in the oil subsidy scheme.

According to the EFCC, the defendants fraudulently obtained subsidy payments by falsely claiming to have imported 33 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Investigations revealed that the fuel was never delivered, and supporting documentation presented to secure payment from the government was forged.

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court sentenced each of the defendants to 14 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.

In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of properties and funds traceable to the fraud, while also mandating restitution to the Federal Government.

The conviction is one of the most high-profile rulings stemming from the oil subsidy fraud investigations that rocked the nation following the 2011 fuel subsidy probe.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, praised the judgment, describing it as a victory for justice and a warning to others engaging in economic crimes.

The defendants are expected to appeal the judgment.