The Nigerian Navy has handed over two vessels suspected to be involved in oil theft and its crew members to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, for investigation and possible prosecution.
The vessels, MT Platform and MV Caribbean Crest were handed over to the EFCC alongside 22 crew members on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
According to the Commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State, Lieutenant Commander MG Munza, the 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), while 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.
Munza said the Suspects neither have any authority or certificate from the appropriate authority to ply the Nigerian waters.
The suspects 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.
Receiving the vessels and the suspected oil thieves, the Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command, DSE Arasah Shaka, thanked the Navy for their efforts toward safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters.
Shaka added that the EFCC was happy with the Navy for its collaboration in fighting economic crimes.
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