The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to prosecute eight suspected oil thieves handed over to the agency for further investigation by the operatives of the Nigerian Navy since April 3, LEADERSHIP learnt yesterday in Uyo, the state capital.
The EFCC head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, said from the outcome of the commission’s investigations, the suspects were involved in petroleum products deal without appropriate licences.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, February 23, 2024, onboard a wooden boat -MV Jasmine, by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ibaka, in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, and were handed over to the commission on Tuesday April 3, 2024, by the Commanding Officer (CO), Captain Uche Aneke.
The EFCC spokesman, listed the soon- to- arraigned suspects in their custody to include; 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 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane- sealed compartments of the boat and in 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 Uche Aneke, of the Nigerian 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 exhibits, the Uyo Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1, Bawa H. Saidu, who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1, 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.
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