The Nigerian Navy on Monday, handed over five oil suspected oil thieves in its custody to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for more investigation and prosecution.
The suspects are a Venezuela national, Roderick Rivero and four Nigerians, Oluwole Olaitan, Emmanuel Emeka Okeke, Olota Albert and Richard Asubi.
They were arrested on June 20, 2022, by officers of the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Victory, in Calabar, Cross River State, while onboard a vessel, MV Edidiong AJ, loaded with unspecified quantity of petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO.
The Naval Hand-over Officer, Lieutenant Commander, C. I. Ayogu, while handing over the suspects to the EFCC, condemned the activities of oil thieves in the zone, stressing that, “the fight against crude oil theft is not for the Navy alone, but a fight for the generality of Nigerians.
He urged the public and, “everyone to be on alert adding that the five crew members flying a Comoros flag were arrested by my the Navy during patrol”, he said.
He handed over suspects to the Uyo Command of the EFCC on Monday, August 1, 2022 for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC, Ase Inainfe Young, while receiving the suspects said they have begun investigation of a Venezuelan and four Nigerians arrested by the Navy for suspected illegal oil bunkering activities.
He said the arrested suspects and the accompanying exhibits have been received.
He thanked the Navy for its synergy and trust in the EFCC.
“Be rest assured that the Commission will make sure a thorough investigation is carried out and if the suspects are found culpable, they will be charged to court and prosecuted diligently” he said.