Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has strongly opposed the bail application of alleged terrorist and oil bunkering kingpin, Ugochukwu Lucky Ibekwe (also known as Chief Onwa), who is standing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja over charges bordering on terrorism, economic sabotage, and large-scale oil theft allegedly linked to the deaths of over 500 persons.
The defendant is being prosecuted on an eight-count charge including alleged pipeline vandalism, illegal refining of crude oil, money laundering, bribery of public officials, and financing of unlawful oil operations across parts of the Niger Delta.
At Monday’s proceedings before Justice Salim Ibrahim, defence counsel, Damian Okoro, SAN, urged the court to grant bail on medical grounds, arguing that the defendant is a kidney transplant patient and that the prosecution had not established a prima facie case on the terrorism-related allegations.
“The accused is on medical treatment and no sufficient evidence has been placed before the court to justify continued detention,” the defence counsel argued, while assuring that the defendant would not interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed the application, insisting that the charges are capital in nature and carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death.
Oyedepo told the court that bail in such cases can only be granted under “exceptional circumstances,” which he said had not been demonstrated by the defence.
He also challenged the medical claims, stating that no credible government hospital records had been presented to substantiate the alleged kidney condition.
The prosecution further raised concerns over witness protection and the risk of interference, urging the court to deny bail and instead order an accelerated trial.
“The seriousness of these offences and the need to protect witnesses make this application unsuitable,” the prosecution submitted.
Justice Ibrahim, after hearing both parties, adjourned ruling on the bail application to July 1, 2026, and also fixed the same date for the commencement of trial proceedings.
Allegations in the Charge Sheet
Court documents allege that between 1999 and 2025, Ibekwe and his associates operated illegal refining sites in Abia State, tampered with oil pipelines belonging to international oil companies, and siphoned crude oil without licence.
The prosecution further alleged that the operations resulted in massive environmental damage and the deaths of over 500 persons due to oil spills and related incidents.
He is also accused of:
Paying ₦2 million to a public officer to obstruct investigation
Receiving ₦1 million and agreeing to weekly payments for illegal pipeline access
Laundering proceeds through real estate and hotel investments
Operating an organised criminal oil theft network
Financing illegal refining operations across Ukwa West and surrounding communities
The Federal Government maintains that the alleged activities constitute both terrorism and large-scale economic sabotage under relevant Nigerian laws.
The case continues on July 1, when the court is expected to rule on bail and possibly begin full trial proceedings.
