EFCC receives suspected oil thieves from Navy in A/Ibom

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has taken over the investigation of three suspected illegal crude oil dealers, alleged to be dealing in petroleum products without an appropriate license.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, handed over the arrested suspects to the EFCC on Friday, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

According to the Navy, the suspects Victory Bassey, Ita Okon and Michael Akpa, were arrested on November 5, 2024 along Ibeno waterways, during a patrol by operatives of the Nigerian Navy in the area.

Base Operating Officer, Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Lieut. Commander O. Okaula, said the suspects were arrested onboard a wooden boat ladened with about 60,000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude oil, conveyed in 12 plastic tanks.

Okaula while handing over the arrested suspects and the exhibits, assured that the Navy was duty-bound to ensure safety on the waterways.

He said: “The Navy is mandated to ensure that security of our waterways forms part of the constitutional roles to boost  economic activities and protect development in the country. On behalf of the Nigeria Navy, I hand over three crew members, wooden boat, and crude oil to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

Receiving the suspects and exhibit on behalf of EFCC, Acting Zonal Director of EFCC in Uyo,

Mr. Oshodi Johnson, applauded the Nigerian Navy for the trust and years of collaboration with the EFCC in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

Johnson assured that proper and thorough investigation will be carried out and the arrested suspects will be charged to court of competent jurisdiction immediately after investigations are concluded.