The Nigerian Navy has handed over 22 suspected oil thieves and two vessels to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for probe and legal actions.
The anti-graft agency received the MT Platform and MV Caribbean Crest and the crew members on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
This was made known by the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Bonny, Rivers State, Lieutenant Commander MG Munza.
Munza revealed 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), 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.
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He further stated that the crew members of the suspected vessels could not produce any certificate from the appropriate authority to ply the Nigerian waters.
“Today, we are handing over the vessels and twenty five crew members to the EFCC for proper investigation,” he said.
The crew include: 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.
Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE Arasah Shaka took over the suspects and the vessels on behalf of the EFCC. He commended the Navy for its synergy with the EFCC and tireless efforts and commitment towards ridding the country of illegal oil activities. He also assured that further investigations would be done and the culpable suspects charged to court accordingly.