The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation on eight arrested suspected oil thieves in Rivers State, the anti-graft agency said in a statement.
According to the statement released on Thursday 11th January 2024, by the anti-graft agency, operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command have commenced investigations into the activities of eight suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The investigations are coming on the heels of the Hand- Over of the suspects to the EFCC by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Akiama Road, Bonny Island, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
According to the Navy, the vessel, MV Cabrini, and her eight crew members were arrested during an operation on Wednesday November 8 2023. They were arrested with an unquantified amount of illegally acquired Automotive Gas Oil ,AGO, along Bonny Channel.
The suspected oil thieves are: Tyson Saidi, Emmanuel Memedo, Bamidele Owoeye, Sunday Okenwa, Sanusi Adeola , Kessen Friday, Miebaka, Kienka and Emmanuel Adewole.
Naval Hand-Over Officer, Lieutenant Commander G.Y Gwaza, said that the suspected oil thieves were handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In response, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Itoro Levi, who received the suspects on behalf of the EFCC, assured that thorough and professional investigations would be carried out in the case. She also thanked the Navy for its collaborative efforts with the EFCC.