The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated investigations into the activities of eight suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The suspects were handed over to the EFCC by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Akiama Road, Bonny Island, Port Harcourt, on January 10.
The vessel, MV Cabrini, and its eight crew members were arrested during an operation on November 8, 2023. They were apprehended with an undisclosed quantity of illegally acquired Automotive Gas Oil along Bonny Channel. The suspects include Tyson Saidi, Emmanuel Memedo, Bamidele Owoeye, Sunday Okenwa, Sanusi Adeola, Kessen Friday, Miebaka Kienka, and Emmanuel Adewole.
Lieutenant Commander G.Y Gwaza, the Naval Hand-Over Officer, stated that the suspects were handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Itoro Levi, an EFCC official who received the suspects, assured the Navy that thorough and professional investigations would be carried out.
This development is part of the broader effort by security agencies to combat oil theft in Nigeria. The Niger Delta region, in particular, has been a hotspot for illegal oil activities, and authorities are intensifying efforts to address this issue. The EFCC, along with other security agencies, plays a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in economic crimes, including oil theft.