The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has begun a probe into eight suspected oil thieves in its custody in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital.

A statement released on Tuesday by EFCC head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects were dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licences.

The suspects were arrested on Friday February 23, 2024, onboard a wooden boat, MV Jasmine, by the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom, and handed over to the Commission on Tuesday, April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke.

According to the EFCC spokesperson, the arrested suspects include Pere Ebiye (Captain), Okon David (DeckMan), Enuwa Wilson (Cook), Wesley Okon (DeckMan), Ade Ojo Idowu (Asst. Engineer), Oluwadamire Abraham (DeckMan), Oluwole Azuzu (Asst. Captain) and Taiwo Adebanwo (Chief Engineer).

They were arrested in a boat which was laden with 30,000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane-sealed compartment of the boat and in four Geepee tanks.

“Both the arrested crew members and the exhibits were handed over to the Commission on Tuesday April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.

“According to him, the crew were arrested at Posn Lat. 04°18.258°N. Long 008°29. 696’E by the Navy Ship Ekulu during a patrol. He expressed determination to ensure that the Nigerian waterways remain safe and free of criminal activities.

“While receiving the crew members, boat and products, the Uyo Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu, who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE1 Terseer Chinyam, thanked the Nigerian Navy and assured it of the Commission’s readiness to always partner with it and other security agencies to curb economic crimes in Nigeria.”