The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested and initiated investigation into the activities of eight individuals suspected to be involved oil theft.
The suspects who were apprehended on Friday, February 23, were aboard a wooden boat named MV Jasmine, which was carrying 30,000 liters of petroleum products suspected to be crude oil, stored in a cellophane-sealed compartment and four Geepee tanks.
The crew was intercepted by the Navy Ship Ekulu during a patrol at Posn Lat. 04°18.258°N. Long 008°29.696’E. Captain Aneke emphasized the Navy’s commitment to maintaining the safety of Nigerian waterways and vowed to prosecute individuals involved in criminal activities.
The suspects are identified as 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).
The arrested crew members and the seized exhibits were handed over to the EFCC on Tuesday, April 3, 2024, by Captain (NN) Uche Aneke, the Commanding Officer of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.
Upon receiving the suspects, boat, and products, the Uyo Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu, represented by Assistant Superintendent ASE1 Terseer Chinyam, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy. Saidu assured the Navy of the EFCC’s continuous collaboration with security agencies to combat economic crimes in Nigeria.