EFCC takes 22 suspected crude oil thieves into custody
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Tuesday, said that the Nigerian Navy had handed over 22 suspected oil thieves to it for investigation and prosecution.
The agency, which is saddled with fighting economic crimes, stated this in a post published on its official Facebook page.
The suspects are Emberru Michael, Inengibo Ebiegberi, Audu Michael, Gaius Ajakaiye, Igbomgbo Edward, Ndubisi Collins, James Eyak, Ezebri Ayakpo, Okokon Joseph and Wali Michael.
Others are Adediran Ayo, Kelvin White Ohre, Martins-Biyi Shola, Ekundayo Ajayi, Olowu Olusegun, Etim Samson, Michael John, Kelechi Nwafor, Popoola Felix, Ishola Adetunji, Omachekeji Sunny and Onuh Solomon.
Besides, the EFCC said that two vessels were handed over to it – MT Platform and MV Caribbean Crest.
The EFCC said that the “Commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State, Lieutenant Commander MG Munza arrested the vessels and the suspects “on the 15th of February, 2022 at the Bonny Fairway Buoy with an unspecified quantity of stolen Petroleum Product suspected to be automotive gas oil (AGO).”
In addition, the other vessel, “MT Platform, was intercepted on the 8th of June, 2022 in the vicinity of the Bonny Anchorage for illegal dealing in petroleum products without license.”
The vessels reportedly had no certificate from the appropriate authority to ply the Nigerian waters.
EFCC’s Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Arasah Shaka of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command, “thanked the Navy for their efforts toward safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters adding that the EFCC was happy with the Navy for its collaboration in fighting economic crimes.”
