The Uyo branch of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed its ongoing probe into eight individuals detained on suspicion of oil theft.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated in a press release on Tuesday that the detained individuals were reportedly involved in the sale of petroleum goods without proper licensing.
As a reminder, the individuals, apprehended on Friday, February 23, 2024, aboard the wooden vessel, MV Jasmine, by the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom, were transferred to the Commission on Tuesday, April 3, 2024, by the Commanding Officer, Captain (NN) Uche Aneke.
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According to the EFCC spokesperson, the arrested suspects comprise Pere Ebiye (Captain), Okon David (DeckMan), Enuwa Wilson (Cook), Wesley Okon (DeckMan), Ade Ojo Idowu (Assistant Engineer), Oluwadamire Abraham (DeckMan), Oluwole Azuzu (Assistant Captain), and Taiwo Adebanwo (Chief Engineer), as stated by the agency’s representative.
They were apprehended aboard a vessel containing 30,000 liters of petroleum substances believed to be crude oil, concealed in a cellophane-sealed compartment of the boat and stored in four Geepee tanks, as per the reports provided.
‘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 determination to ensure that the Nigerian waterways remain safe and free of criminal activities.
‘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 and assured it of the Commission’s readiness to always partner with it and other security agencies to curb economic crimes in Nigeria.’