Two employees of a fuel station in Mojo town, Oromia region, have been sentenced to imprisonment and fines for illegally dispensing fuel. The workers, Adis Mulgeta and Haregweine Dag from the Ola fuel station, faced charges for endangering the fuel distribution system. The court also ordered the seized fuel to become government revenue.
In a ruling by the Aqabe Hig Tsebet court in Mojo town, Oromia region, two fuel station employees were convicted for dispensing fuel in violation of regulations. The defendants, Adis Mulgeta and Haregweine Dag, worked at the Ola fuel station. The case highlights enforcement of fuel distribution laws in Ethiopia.
The incident occurred on Tir 13, 2017 E.C., around 2 p.m., when the workers dispensed 4,000 liters of fuel into a jerrycan outside permitted hours and procedures, in the presence of security forces. They were charged under Article 25 of Proclamation No. 1363/2017 for actions that endanger the fuel rationing system.
According to court details, after receiving the charge sheet, the defendants destroyed evidence related to the offense. The court determined they failed to properly submit the evidence, leading to a conviction for evidence tampering. As a result, the first defendant received a sentence of three years and three months imprisonment, while the second was sentenced to three years. Each was also fined 350,000 birr.
Additionally, the court ordered the confiscated fuel to be converted into government revenue.
