The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun an investigation into 13 suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, which were handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy NNS Beecroft in Apapa, Lagos State.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale released a statement on Monday identifying the suspects as Abu Smith, Pascal Anyafulu, David Ali, Mba Okpanu, Chukuma Friday Obiazi, Miye Victor, and Richard Kofi. Additional suspects include Monday Aidenagbon, Dele Olayemi, Boma Robinson, David George, Onos Edemefe, and Suleiman Aremu.
The vessel and its crew were intercepted and detained by the Nigerian Navy on February 27, 2024, due to allegations of illegal oil bunkering and violations related to the Automatic Identification System (AIS).
The vessel was laden with about 1,322 metric tonnes of substance “confirmed to bear the attributes of crude oil without any document permitting her to be in possession of the substance.”
On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, while accepting the crew members, vessel, and product, Moses Awolusi, the Head of the Extractive Industry Fraud Section (EIFS), confirmed that the suspects and the evidence would undergo further investigations and legal proceedings.
He also praised the Navy for its ongoing cooperation with the EFCC and the strong working relationship the two agencies have maintained over the years.
The anti-graft agency announced that the suspects would be formally charged once the investigations are complete.