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EFCC Parades 14 Suspected Oil Thieves in Port Harcourt
By Faith Kordoo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Port Harcourt has commenced an investigation into the 14 suspected oil thieves, along with a motor fishing tractor, MFT, Hawwau Tanko, handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Fob, Formoso, Brass, Bayelsa State.
According to the Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base, FOB, Formoso, and Navy Captain Murtala Aminu Rogo, the suspects and vessel were arrested for alleged illegal dealing in petroleum products by the detachment of the 5 BN Nigerian Army on February 27, 2024, around Fish Town Rivers, Southern Ijaw Bayelsa State, while on board the Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) Hawwau Tanko, laden with about 10,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Captain Rogo disclosed that Motor Fishing Trawler (MFT) Hawwau Tanko was arrested on the same day around Fish Town Rivers, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State for alleged involvement in illegal bunkering.
Speaking on behalf of Navy Commander M. A. Gada, Captain Rago pledged that the Nigerian Navy will not relent in its effort towards policing and enforcing all maritime laws to get rid of crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering activities, and other crimes in the Nigerian maritime domain.
“The activity of the 14 suspected oil thieves and MFT Hawwau Tanko is an act of economic sabotage which the Nigerian Navy has sworn not to condone”, the Naval captain stressed.
On his part, the Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt Command, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1, Ahmed Muhammed Ghali, assured the Navy and the entire public that the suspects and the exhibits will be subjected to further investigation and possible prosecution.
Ghali disclosed this through Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Salim Abubakapledged, who received the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the EFCC.
He further commended the Navy for its collaboration with the EFCC and the good working relationship both agencies have enjoyed over the years.
“We will do everything within our powers to ensure that the activities of illegal oil bunkering are completely brought to the barest minimum and that the oil thieves are brought to face the wrath of the law”, the EFFC commander reiterated.
The suspects include: Kolapo Gafar, the captain of the vessel; Monday Aresonor; Rasheed Rafiu; Kubi E. Wowo; Emmanuel Odey; Kolapo Abdullahi; Sunday Obasan; Kolapo Wasiu; Ilojiole Emeka; Owoseni Ehuwa; John Olowokere; Chima Edwin; John Akpan; and Ijoade Tayo.
