The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Command says it has begun taping the 10 suspected crude oil suspects in Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects were handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka of the state.
In a statement by EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale on Saturday, March 9, 2024, stated that the suspects, who allegedly operated without the appropriate licences, were apprehended by the Navy while onboard a ship, MT Queen Hansal, loaded with 100 metric tonnes of petroleum products.
He further mentioned that during the handover of the arrested suspects and exhibits to the EFCC, the Commanding Officer of FOB, Captain Uche Aneke.
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The EFCC’s detective emphasized that the Navy would continue to carry out its duty to ensure that Akwa Ibom State remains unfavorable for oil thieves.
“The vessel MT Queen Hansal was involved in suspicious activities along the Exxon Mobil oil field at position Lat 04’12’ 956 N, Long 007’40’ 186 ‘E’, as it switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS).
The Nigerian Navy, during its task, apprehended the ship, and the vessel along with the 10 crew members were arrested by NNS OJI on December 28, 2023, during an inspection. They were subsequently brought to the base on December 30, 2023,” the statement revealed.
On receiving the suspects and the products, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, Ayuba Zira, lauded the Navy for the arrest, and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and any culpable suspects would be prosecuted accordingly.
“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 collaborate with the Navy to sanitize our oil industry and waterways,” he stated.
