Abuja: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into the activities of two individuals suspected of engaging in oil theft in Uyo. The arrests were made amidst allegations that the suspects were involved in the illegal trade of petroleum products without the necessary licensing.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the apprehension of the suspects occurred on November 4 at Ikot Ekpene. The arrest was executed by a Joint Task Force comprising officers from the 2-Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment, located in Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on November 7.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that at the time of arrest, the suspects were in the process of loading petroleum products, suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), from an underground storage facility into a truck. Approximately 19,400 litres of the suspected product were found stored at Olive Field Filling Station in Ikot Ekpene. Additionally, a truck containing around 3,287 litres of the alleged illegally refined AGO was confiscated.
Other items seized during the operation included two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, a Mercedes Benz MI 350 with registration number KRF 287 EP, and a DAF 75 CF with registration number GGE 193 XG. Col. JK Adisa, representing the Commander of the 2-Brigade Nigeria Army, Brig.-Gen. NE Okoloagu, handed over the suspects and the evidence to the EFCC.
Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Taiwo Habeeb, accepted the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC ACE1 Oshodi Johnson. The EFCC expressed gratitude to the Army for their cooperation and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure diligent prosecution.