The Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has commenced investigation of 10 suspected oil thieves involved in illegal deal in petroleum products, who were arrested on board a ship loaded with 100 metric tonnes of petroleum products without official licence.
The Commission in a statement @officialEFCC disclosed that the 10
suspects were arrested on board MT Queen Hansal Ship and handed over to the Command by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, along with 100 metric tons of petroleum products.
According to the Commission, while handing over the arrested suspects and exhibits to the EFCC, the Naval officer, Captain Uche Aneke, assured that the Navy will continue to perform their duty and ensure that Akwa Ibom State and its environs, remained unfavourable for oil thieves.
According to captain Aneke, “the vessel MT Queen Hansal was involved in suspicious activities along Exxol Mobil oil field at position Lat 04’12’ 956 N, Long 007’40’ 186 ‘E’ by switching off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) such that the Nigerian Navy in its task arrested the ship.
“So, the vessel and the 10 crew members were arrested by NNS OJI on December 28, 2023 during inspection and brought to base on December 30, 2023.
“Receiving the suspects and the products on behalf of the EFCC, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Ayuba Zira, thanked the Navy, assuring that a thorough investigation would be conducted and culpable suspects prosecuted, accordingly.”
Zira had also declared: “We want to assure the public that the EFCC is going to investigate this conclusively and everyone found culpable will face justice.
“The Command will continue to work with the Navy to sanitize our oil industry and waterways”.