EFCC investigates 10 alleged oil thieves in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has started the investigation of 10 alleged oil thieves in Akwa Ibom State.

The Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC said the suspects were handed over to the agency by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated in a press release made available to our correspondent at the weekend in Uyo that the suspects who operated without appropriate licenses, were apprehended by the Nigerian Navy while onboard a ship, MT Queen Hansal loaded with 100 metric tonnes of petroleum products.

Oyewale assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and the suspects found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.

“The vessel MT Queen Hansal was involved in suspicious activities along the Exxon Mobil oil field at position Lat 04’12’ 956 N, Long 007’40’ 186 ‘E’, as it switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS).

“The Nigerian Navy, during its task, apprehended the ship, and the vessel along with the 10 crew members were arrested by NNS OJI on December 28, 2023, during an inspection. They were subsequently brought to the base on December 30, 2023.

“We want to assure the public that the EFCC is going to investigate this conclusively, and everyone found culpable will face justice. The Command will continue to collaborate with the Navy to sanitise our oil industry and waterways,” he stated.