Oil Theft: EFCC To Prosecute 22 Suspects Arrested By Navy
The Lagos Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday said it last Friday took over a vessel, MV Poseidon, alongside 10 crew members for investigation and prosecution.
The EFCC said the vessel and the crew members were arrested on July 20, 2020 by the Nigerian Navy Ship, Beecroft.
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The commission’s Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement, gave the names of the suspects as: Umoh Samuel, Abonida Seaman, Ogidigbo Kelly, Ajemfuja Lucky, Gbatemiro Abel, Leke Christian, John Ally, Etem Anthony, Adegoke Adeoye and Arikaibi.
According to Uwujaren, the vessel at the time of the arrest, was laden with 130 metric tons of substance suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil ( AGO)
He said in a related development, the anti-graft agency also took over another vessel, MV Mother Comfort, with its 12 crew members for investigation and prosecution, after they were arrested by Beecroft on July 24, 2020.
The suspects are: Femi James Adiniyi, Ekene Okendu, Alum Julius, Napolion Dele, Awa Smart, Akorede Stephen, Stanley Neele, Odenike Rasaq, Agbanoma John, Aderemi Akinade, Okengwu Azu and Ojajuni Adebowale.
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The MV Mother Comfort, at the time of arrest, was laden with 237 metric tons of AGO.
He added: “The vessels alongside the suspected oil thieves will soon be charged to court for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products.”
