Beginning an investigation, the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken on the case of 13 suspected oil thieves who were handed over to them by the Nigerian Navy in Lagos.
On Tuesday, April 30, this information was revealed on the EFCC’s X handle.
According to the commission, the suspects, along with the vessel, were apprehended by Nigerian Navy officers for alleged involvement in oil bunkering and Automatic Identification System (AIS) violations.
In a public post, it was stated: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Lagos Zonal Command has initiated an investigation into 13 suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, which were delivered to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos State.”
“The individuals implicated are: Abu Smith, Pascal Anyafulu, David Ali, Mba Okpanu, Chukuma Friday Obiazi, Miye Victor, and Richard Kofi.
“Additionally, Monday Aidenagbon, Dele Olayemi, Boma Robinson, David George, Onos Edemefe, and Suleiman Aremu are among the accused individuals.”
“The vessel was carrying approximately 1,322 metric tonnes of a substance “confirmed to exhibit characteristics of crude oil without possessing any documentation allowing it to be in possession of the substance.”
Moses Awolusi, the Head of EFCC’s Extractive Industry Fraud Section (EIFS), assured the Navy that further investigations and prosecution of the suspects and the seized items would be conducted.
He also praised the Navy for its cooperation with the EFCC and the strong working relationship that has been maintained between the two agencies over the years.