EFCC begins investigation of suspected oil thieves

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said investigation of the illegal activities of eight suspected oil thieves in their custody have commenced.

The EFCC, Uyo Zonal Command received the eight suspects from the Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base Ibaka in Akwa Ibom on April 3, 2024, for dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licences.

The suspects were arrested with 30,000 litres of petroleum products said to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane-sealed compartment of the boat and four Geepee tanks aboard a wooden boat, MV Jasmine on February 23, 2024.

Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a press release on Tuesday in Uyo, identified the suspects as: Pere Ebiye (Captain), Okon David (DeckMan), Enuwa Wilson (Cook), Wesley Okon (DeckMan) , Ade Ojo Idowu (Asst. Engineer), Oluwadamire Abraham (DeckMan), Oluwole Azuzu (Asst. Captain) and Taiwo Adebanwo (Chief Engineer).

“They were arrested in a boat which was laden with 30, 000 (Thirty Thousand) litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane-sealed compartment of the vessel and four Geepee tanks.

“Both the arrested crew members and the exhibits were handed over to the Commission on Tuesday, April 3, 2024, by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.

“According to him, the crew were arrested at Posn Lat. 04°18.258°N. Long 008°29. 696’E by the Navy Ship Ekulu during a patrol. He expressed his determination to ensure that the Nigerian waterways remain safe and criminal activity-free.

“While receiving the crew members, boat and products, the Uyo Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE1 Terseer Chinyam, thanked the Nigerian Navy.

“He assured it of the Commission’s readiness to always partner with it and other security agencies to curb economic crimes in Nigeria,” he stated.