Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, have commenced an investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, handed over to the commission by the Nigerian Navy NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos State.
According to a statement signed by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday, the suspects are Abu Smith, Pascal Anyafulu, David Ali, Mba Okpanu, Chukuma Friday Obiazi, Miye Victor, and Richard Kofi.
Others are Monday Aidenagbon, Dele Olayemi, Boma Robinson, David George, Onos Edemefe, and Suleiman Aremu.
“The vessel and the crew were intercepted and arrested on February 27, 2024, by officers of the Nigerian Navy for alleged illegal oil bunkering and Automatic Identification system infractions.
“The vessel was laden with about 1,322 metric tonnes of substance “confirmed to bear the attributes of crude oil without any document permitting her to have the substance,” the statement read in part.
While receiving the crew members, vessel, and product on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Head, Extractive Industry Fraud Section, Moses Awolusi, assured the navy that the suspects and the exhibits would be subjected to further investigations and prosecution.
He also commended the Navy for its collaboration with the EFCC and the good working relationship both agencies had enjoyed over the years.
The suspects will be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded. Uh