EFCC investigates two suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into two individuals arrested for alleged oil theft and dealings in petroleum products without a licence.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended on November 4 at Ikot Ekpene by a Joint Task Force team from the 2-Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment, Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. They were subsequently handed over to the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate on November 7.

Oyewale explained that the suspects were caught loading petroleum products, suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), from an underground dump into a truck. An estimated 19,400 litres of the alleged illegally refined AGO were recovered from the underground storage at Olive Field Filling Station, Ikot Ekpene.

Items recovered and handed over to the EFCC include an Iveco truck carrying approximately 3,287 litres of AGO, the underground dump containing 19,400 litres of the product, two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, a Mercedes-Benz MI 350 (registration KRF 287 EP), and a DAF 75 CF (registration GGE 193 XG).

Col. JK Adisa handed the suspects and exhibits to the EFCC on behalf of the Commander of 2-Brigade, Brig.-Gen. NE Okoloagu, while Assistant Superintendent ASE1 Taiwo Habeeb received them on behalf of the Zonal Director.

Oyewale thanked the Nigerian Army for its trust in the Commission, assuring that the suspects will face thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.