EFCC Obtains 14-Year Sentences for Mamman Nasir and Christian Taylor in ₦2.2B Subsidy Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully convicted Mamman Nasir Ali, the son of former PDP National Chairman Ahmadu Ali, along with Christian Taylor, for their roles in a ₦2.2 billion oil subsidy scam. On Tuesday, Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, sentenced both individuals to 14 years in prison.

An official announcement from the EFCC on its verified Instagram account shared that the defendants were found guilty on 49 amended counts, which included conspiracy to deceive, obtaining money under false pretenses, forgery, and the use of fraudulent documents.

This conviction is the result of a lengthy trial that commenced in 2012, involving Nasaman Oil Services Ltd, a company associated with the accused. Investigations uncovered that the company unlawfully claimed ₦2.2 billion from the Federal Government through the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) by falsely asserting it had imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

In her ruling, Justice Dada stated that the prosecution, represented by EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), established its case beyond a reasonable doubt. She emphasized that the evidence demonstrated the defendants had forged documents to support their subsidy claims and deliberately defrauded the government.

Beyond the prison terms, the judge ordered the forfeiture of assets and bank accounts linked to the proceeds of the crime. This ruling represents a significant achievement for the EFCC in its long-standing quest for justice in the oil subsidy fraud, a scheme believed to have cost Nigeria over ₦1 trillion in fraudulent claims.

The EFCC welcomed the verdict, affirming its dedication to combating corruption at all levels. “Justice has been served. The sentencing of Ali and Taylor sends a strong message that economic crimes will not be tolerated,” the commission remarked.

This development has reignited discussions among the public regarding the need for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil subsidy system, particularly as the country continues to face challenges with fuel pricing reforms and controversies over subsidy removal.