The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has commenced an investigation into three suspects accused of illegal crude oil dealings.
The suspects, identified as Victory Smart Bassey, Ita Okon, and Michael Akpa, were handed over to the EFCC by the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, for further inquiry and possible prosecution.
The suspects were apprehended on November 5, 2024, by Naval officers patrolling the Ibeno waterways. They were intercepted onboard a wooden boat loaded with approximately 60,000 liters of petroleum products suspected to be crude oil, stored in 12 plastic G-PEE tanks.
While transferring the suspects and exhibits to the EFCC, Lieutenant Commander O. Okaula, Base Operating Officer of the FOB, reiterated the Navy’s commitment to ensuring safety and security on Nigeria’s waterways.
“The Navy is mandated to ensure that the security of our waterways forms part of our constitutional roles to boost economic activities and protect development in the country,” Okaula said.
He added, “On behalf of the Nigerian Navy, I hand over three crew members, a wooden boat, and suspected crude oil to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the commission, Assistant Superintendent (ASE1), Adetona Taiwo, who represented the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE1), Oshodi Johnson, thanked the Navy for its collaboration in tackling economic and financial crimes.
“Proper and thorough investigation will be carried out, and the arrested crew members will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction immediately after investigations are concluded,” Taiwo assured.
The handover highlights the ongoing partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the EFCC in curbing illegal activities that threaten Nigeria’s economic stability.
