The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into the alleged illegal activities of eight suspected petroleum product dealers without appropriate licenses.
The suspects, identified as Pere Ebiye (Captain), Okon David (DeckMan), Enuwa Wilson (Cook), Wesley Okon (DeckMan), Ade Ojo Idowu (Asst. Engineer), Oluwadamire Abraham (DeckMan), Oluwole Azuzu (Asst. Captain), and Taiwo Adebanwo (Chief Engineer), were arrested on Friday, February 23, 2024. They were onboard a wooden boat, MV Jasmine, loaded with 30,000 liters of petroleum products suspected to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane-sealed compartment of the boat and in four Geepee tanks.
The arrests were made by the Nigeria Navy Ship Ekulu during a patrol at Posn Lat. 04°18.258°N. Long 008°29. 696’E. The suspects and the exhibits were handed over to the EFCC on Tuesday, April 3, 2024, by the Commanding Officer Captain Uche Aneke of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.
Captain Aneke emphasized the Navy's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian waterways, stating that they are vigilant in arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in criminal activities or conveying illegal products, including petroleum products.
The Uyo Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu, represented by Assistant Superintendent ASE1 Terseer Chinyam, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy for their cooperation and assured them of the Commission's readiness to collaborate with security agencies to combat economic crimes in Nigeria.
