The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigations into 11 suspected oil thieves and one vessel, MT SAISNIL II, apprehended by the Nigerian Navy.
Mr Dele Oyewole, the spokesperson for the Commission, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.
Oyewole disclosed that the suspects and the vessel were handed over to the EFCC by the Nigerian Navy’s NNS Beecroft, located in Apapa, Lagos. He further explained that the vessel and its crew were intercepted and arrested on February 7, 2024, by naval officers.
The suspects are believed to have been involved in illegal oil bunkering and Automatic Identification System (AIS) infractions at the Abo Oilfield in Ogogoro Community, Ondo State.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded by the Commission’s operatives at its Lagos Command,” Oyewole said.
