Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Navy has handed over eight suspected crude oil thieves and a vessel, MV Jasmine, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital for prosecution.
The suspects are, 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).
According to the Navy, they were arrested on Friday February 23, 2024, onboard a wooden boat, MV Jasmine, 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 by the Naval Commanding Officer, Captain Uche Aneke, of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.
Aneke said the crew and the vessel were arrested by the Nigerian Navy Ship Ekulu, during a patrol and assured of the Navy’s determination to ensure that the Nigerian waterways remain safe and free of criminal activities.
“The Navy is on alert to arrest and prosecute any person found culpable in any criminal activity on our waterways or conveying illegal products as well as petroleum products,” he said.
Receiving the suspects, vessel and products, the Zonal Commander of EFCC in Uyo, Bawa Saidu, represented by an Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, Terseer Chinyam, lauded the Nigerian Navy and assured of the Commission’s readiness to partner with all other security agencies to curb economic crimes in the country.
