The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into the suspected illegal activities of eight individuals involved in the illicit trade of petroleum products without proper 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 apprehended on Friday, February 23, 2024.
The arrest took place onboard a wooden boat named MV Jasmine, which was found to be carrying 30,000 liters of petroleum products suspected to be crude oil, concealed in a cellophane-sealed compartment and four Geepee tanks. The crew members and the seized exhibits were handed over to the EFCC on Tuesday, April 3, 2024, by Captain (NN) Uche Aneke of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State.
Captain Aneke reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to ensuring the safety and security of the country’s waterways, emphasizing their vigilance in apprehending and prosecuting individuals engaged in criminal activities on the water. Meanwhile, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu, represented by Assistant Superintendent ASE1 Terseer Chinyam, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy and affirmed the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat economic crimes effectively.
