Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have commenced investigation of 14 suspected oil thieves alongside a Motor Fishing Trawler, MFT Hawwau Tanko, handed over to the commission by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (Fob) Formoso, Brass, Bayelsa State.
In a statement on Monday, April 8, the EFCC said the investigation commenced on Wednesday, April 3.
The EFCC said the suspects and vessel were arrested for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products by the detachment of 5 BN Nigerian Army on February 27 around Fish Town Rivers, Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa State while on board MFT Hawwau Tanko, laden with about 10,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, (AGO).
The Commanding Officer, FOB Formoso, Navy Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo disclosed that MFT Hawwau Tanko was arrested on February 27 around Fish Town Rivers, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State for alleged involvement in illegal bunkering.
Speaking through Navy Commander M.A Gada, Rago said the Nigerian Navy would not relent in its effort towards policing and enforcing all maritime laws to get rid of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering activities and other crimes in the Nigerian maritime domain.
The suspects include: Kolapo Gafar, the captain of the vessel, Monday Aresonor, Rasheed Rafiu, Kubi. E. Wowo, Emmanuel Odey, Kolapo Abdullahi, Sunday Obasan, Kolapo Wasiu, Ilojiole Emeka, Owoseni Ehuwa, John Olowokere, Chima Edwin, John Akpan and Ijoade Tayo.
According to him, “The activity of the 14 suspected oil thieves and MFT Hawwau Tanko is an act of economic sabotage which the Nigerian Navy has sworn not to condone”.
Zonal Commander of EFCC, Port Harcourt Command, Ahmed Muhammed Ghali, assured the Navy and the entire public that the suspects and the exhibits will be subjected to further investigation and possible prosecution.
Ghali disclosed this through Salim Abubakar Sadiq, an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, who received the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the EFCC.
He further commended the Navy for its collaboration with the EFCC and the good working relationship both agencies have enjoyed over the years.
“We will do everything within our powers to ensure that the activities of illegal oil bunkering are completely brought to the barest minimum and that the oil thieves are brought to face the wrath of the law,” he said.
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