Uyo—Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has commenced investigation of 10 suspected illegal dealers in petroleum products arrested onboard a ship loaded with 100 metric tonnes of petroleum product without an appropriate licence.
Head, Media and Publicity of the Commission, Mr. Dele Oyewale disclosed this in a statement, yesterday.
According to Oyewale, “The 10 suspects were arrested on board MT Queen Hansal ship and handed over to the command by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, with 100 metric tons of petroleum products.
“While handing over the arrested suspects and exhibits to the EFCC, the Naval handing over, Captain Uche Aneke said the Navy will continue to perform its duty and ensure that the Akwa Ibom State and its environment remained unfavourable for oil thieves.
“The vessel, MT Queen Hansal was involved in suspicious activities along Exxol Mobil oil field at position Lat 04’12′ 956 N, Long 007’40′ 186 ‘E’ by switching off its Automatic Identification System, AIS, such that the Nigerian Navy in its task arrested the ship.
“So, the vessel and the 10 crew members were arrested by NNS OJI on December 28, 2023, during inspection and brought to base on December 30, 2023.”
According to the statement, “EFCC’s Ayuba Zira, received the suspects and the products from on behalf of the commission.”
He thanked the Navy and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted and culpable suspects prosecuted accordingly.
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