By Lukman Olabiyi

A Federal High Court in Abuja, has granted a request by the Department of State Security Service, DSS, to keep the chairman, Capital Oil and Gas Ltd, Mr Ifeanyi Ubah, in custody for another 14 days pending the completion of investigation into allegations of economic sabotage and diversion of petroleum products worth N11 billion leveled against him.

Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, gave the order for Mr. Ubah’s continued detention following a motion exparte filed on May 10 along with an affidavit in support and deposed to by one G.O.A Agbadua, a senior legal officer with the DSS.

The Lagos division of the Federal High Court had on Tuesday ordered the Service to produce Ubah in court on Friday following his arrest and detention since last weekend. NNPC Retail accused the businessman of diverting petroleum products stored in Capital Oil’s tank farm in Lagos under a throughput agreement.

At the resumed hearing, Ubah’s lawyer, Richard Oluyede, reminded the court in Lagos of its order for Ubah to be brought to court.

In his reaction, counsel to the DSS, Peter Okerinmode, told the court that “the alleged arrest and detention of the 1st applicant occurred in Abuja on the 5th of May and that no infringement of the 1st applicant’s right occurred in Lagos State.”

Delivering his ruling, Justice Mohammed Idris said he would act with “great caution” in the matter.

“It appears that on the same date, that is, 10th of May, 2017, 4th and 5th respondents obtained from an FCT High Court an order made by Justice Halilu to have them detain the 1st applicant in the custody of the 4th and 5th respondents for an initial period of 14 days pending the completion of the investigation.

“A conflict situation has been created. I will not make an order for the release of the applicant pending the completion of the 14 days,” he added.

The judge thereafter adjourned till May 18 for continuation of the matter.