The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced it has taken over the investigation of three individuals suspected of illegally trading crude oil in Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the suspects, Victory Smart Bassey, Ita Okon, and Michael Akpa, were allegedly dealing in petroleum products without a proper license. They were apprehended on November 5, 2024, by the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base Ibaka along the Ibeno waterways.
The suspects, along with a wooden boat containing approximately 60,000 liters of suspected crude oil in 12 large plastic G-PEE tanks, were handed over to the EFCC on November 13 for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Lieutenant Commander O. Okaula, Base Operating Officer, reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to securing the waterways during the handover.