By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC said it has commenced investigation of alleged illegal activities of eight suspected oil thieves in their custody.
A statement signed by the EFCC head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale on Tuesday said the suspects were dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licences.
It could be recalled that the suspects arrested on Friday February 23, 2024, onboard a wooden boat,MV Jasmine, by the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom were handed over to the commission on Tuesday April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke.
According to the EFCC Spokesperson, the arrested suspects include: 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) .
“They were arrested in a boat which was laden with 30, 000 (Thirty Thousand) litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane- sealed compartment of the boat and in four Geepee tanks.
“Both the arrested crew members and the exhibits were handed over to the Commission on Tuesday April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.
“According to him, the crew was arrested at Posn Lat. 04°18.258°N Long 008°29. 696’E by the Navy Ship, Ekulu during a patrol, he expressed determination to ensure that the Nigerian waterways remain safe and free of criminal activities.”
“While receiving the crew members, boat and products, the Uyo Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE1 Terseer Chinyam thanked the Nigerian Navy and assured it of the Commission’s readiness to always partner with it and other security agencies to curb economic crimes in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile the Police in Akwa Ibom has deployed 1,527 Personnel to tighten security around worship Centres and around the State for the celebration of Eid El Fitr
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Waheed Ayilara has felicitated with Muslim Faithfuls in the State on the occasion of the celebration of Eid-El-Fitri.
A statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko MacDon said Waheed Ayilara, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a tightened security around Mosques, prayer grounds, worship Centres and other parts of the State.
“Furthermore, the CP has condemned the killing, and vowed to arrest, in the shortest possible time, the killers of one Sylvanus Ukpong who was murdered at Ifa Atai in a failed attempt to abduct him. While reiterating his commitment to providing security for Residents of Akwa Ibom State, the CP said perpetrators of violent crimes in the State will be arrested and held accountable”, it said.
