EFCC commences investigation of suspected oil thieves in Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigations of two suspected oil thieves, who were arrested over alleged dealing in petroleum products without the requisite licence.

Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, they were arrested at Ikot Ekpene on Nov. 4, by a Joint Task Force team of officers from the 2-Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment, Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He said the suspects were handed over to the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Nov. 7.

Oyewale said, ”At the time of their arrest, the suspects were allegedly loading petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground dump into a truck.

”An estimated quantity of 19,400 litres of the said product were stored in the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station Ikot Ekpene.

”Other items handed over to the commission include: The Iveco truck loaded with approximately 3, 287 litres of the illegally refined AGO and the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station with estimated 19, 400 litres of the suspected illegally refined AGO.

”Other items include: two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, one Mercedes Benz MI 350 with registration number KRF 287 EP and a DAF 75 CF with Reg. number GGE 193 XG.”

He said Col. JK Adisa handed over the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Commander 2-Brigade Nigeria Army, Brig.-Gen. NE Okoloagu.

According to him, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Taiwo Habeeb, received the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC ACE1 Oshodi Johnson.

He thanked the Army for the confidence reposed in the Commission and assured them of a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.