Oil theft: Navy Hands Over 19 Suspects, Two Boats to EFCC

Matilda Omonaiye/

The Nigerian Navy has handed over 19 suspects and two fibre boats laden with petroleum products to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.

In a statement received by NewsmakersNG, EFCC spokesman, Tony Orilade, listed the suspects as Ayeni John, Adetini Ademola, Saliu Malik, Emmanuel Tosu, Emopin Moneyin, Malade Aiyetimiyi, Oduroja Ojune, Ikudehinbu Idowu, Abogun Ota, Elamah Augustine and Olarotimi Elikanah.

Others are  Thank-God Benjamin, Abbas Friday, Victor Goldsmith, Gbenga Thomas, Ibane Austin, Idowu Surprise, Asemia Thomas and Agbayoh Lawrence.

Orilade stated: “They were arrested on August 30, 2018, in Lagos and some parts of Ondo State and are alleged to be involved in an illegal dealing in petroleum products sourced from the hijacked vessel, MT MAMA ELIZABETH.

“The sum of N3,500,000.00 (Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only suspected to be proceeds from the sale of the illegally acquired products was found on the suspects at the point of arrest.

“Idris Abdullahi Abubakar, an investigator with the EFCC who received the suspects and the boats on behalf of the Commission, assured the Nigerian Navy of diligent investigation and prosecution of the suspects.

“The suspects will be arraigned in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.”