Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have quizzed 21 suspected oil thieves.

The suspects were arrested along with a vessel:  MT. TIS IV by the Nigerian Navy in connection with alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products.

The suspects, arrested by the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Soroh,  Naval Base, Camp Porbeni, Yenagoa along Akassa Rivers,  Bayelsa State, on December 6, 2021 and handed over to the EFCC on Friday,  January 7,  2022,  include: Levi Jonathan;  Eze Kenneth;  Enemari Peter James;  Sunday Ereku;  Emmanuel Ogbonna; Timi Amos;  Fatai Kareem;  Chuks Egbo, Tony Atawo and  Saviour Martin.

Others are:  Yoosu Alex;  Isac Iboro;  Bassey Okon;  Kingsley Edet; Taye Poto;  Saturday Sobere;  Alfred Atiemie;  Owei Ibolo; Felix Onome;  Odus Osita, Etim Edet and Mudashird Tarheed.

Representative of Nigerian Navy, Navy Commander P. E Effah, who handed over the suspects and the vessel MT. TIS IV to the EFCC, said they were arrested for alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering activities.

At the time of arrest, the vessel was laden with about 700,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally sourced crude oil.

“Both the vessel and the suspects were remanded at Brass for safe keeping and preliminary investigations. However, today, we are handing over the vessel and crew members to the EFCC for proper investigation,” he said.

Representative of the EFCC who took over the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the Commission,  Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE Anthony Mark, thanked the Navy and promised diligent investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.

TheStar