The Economic Financial Crime Commission, EFCC had received Two Vessels, MT Platform and MV Caribbean Crest from the Nigerian Navy for further investigation and possible prosecution.
This was disclosed in a statement by the anti-graft agency spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren saying that also in the custody of the agency are twenty-two(22) suspected oil thieves arrested by the Nigerian Navy also arrested alongside the vessels.
The suspected oil thieves according to the statement are:Emberru Michael, Inengibo Ebiegberi, Audu Michael, Gaius Ajakaiye, Igbomgbo Edward, Ndubisi Collins, James Eyak, Ezebri Ayakpo, Okokon Joseph and Wali Michael.
Others are: Adediran Ayo, Kelvin White Ohre, Martins-Biyi Shola, Ekundayo Ajayi, Olowu Olusegun, Etim Samson, Michael John, Kelechi Nwafor, Popoola Felix, Ishola Adetunji, Omachekeji Sunny and Onuh Solomon.
While handing over the suspects and vessels to the EFCC,Commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State, Lieutenant Commander MG Munza disclosed that the vessel, MV Caribbean Crest and her crew members were arrested on the 15th of February, 2022 at the Bonny Fairway Buoy with an unspecified quantity of stolen Petroleum Product suspected to be automotive gas oil (AGO).
He added that,MT Platform was intercepted on the 8th of June, 2022 in the vicinity of the Bonny Anchorage for illegal dealing in petroleum products without license.
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“They neither have any authority or certificate from the appropriate authority to ply the Nigerian waters,”he was quoted as saying
Receiving the suspects and vessel on behalf of the EFCC, Deputy Superintendent of the agency, DSE Arasah Shaka of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command, thanked the Navy their efforts in safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters.
He added that, the EFCC appreciate and happy with Navy for it’s collaboration in fighting economic crimes.