The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Monday that it quizzed 22 suspected oil thieves who were arrested for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products.
The commission said this in a statement by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren.
According to Mr Uwujaren, the suspects were handed over, along with their vessel, MT. TIS IV, to the Port Harcourt zonal command of the EFCC by the Nigeria Navy.
Read EFCC’s full statement below:
EFCC Press Release
EFCC Grills 22 Suspected Oil Thieves in Port Harcourt
Twenty two suspected oil thieves and a vessel: MT. TIS IV handed over to the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by the Nigeria Navy are being quizzed in connection with alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products.
The suspects, arrested by the Nigerian Naval Ship, (NNS) Soroh, Naval Base, Camp Porbeni, Yenagoa along Akassa Rivers, Bayelsa state, on December 6, 2021 and handed over to the EFCC on Friday, January 7, 2022, include: Levi Jonathan; Eze Kenneth; Enemari Peter James; Sunday Ereku; Emmanuel Ogbonna; Timi Amos; Fatai Kareem; Chuks Egbo, Tony Atawo and Saviour Martin.
Others are: Yoosu Alex; Isac Iboro; Bassey Okon; Kingsley Edet; Taye Poto; Saturday Sobere; Alfred Atiemie; Owei Ibolo; Felix Onome; Odus Osita, Etim Edet and Mudashird Tarheed.
Representative of Nigeria Navy, Navy Commander P. E Effah, who handed over the suspects and the vessel MT. TIS IV to the EFCC, said they were arrested for alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities. At the time of arrest, the vessel was laden with about 700,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally sourced crude oil.
“Both the vessel and the suspects were remanded at Brass for safekeeping and preliminary investigations. However, today, we are handing over the vessel and crew members to the EFCC for proper investigation”, he said.
Representative of the EFCC who took over the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the Commission, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE Anthony Mark, thanked the Navy and promised diligent investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
10 January, 2021
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