Chinedu Ezeh 
The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an investigation into 13 suspected oil thieves and a vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, which were handed over to the commission by the Nigerian Navy NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos State.
The suspects, identified as Abu Smith, Pascal Anyafulu, David Ali, Mba Okpanu, Chukuma Friday Obiazi, Miye Victor, Richard Kofi, Monday Aidenagbon, Dele Olayemi, Boma Robinson, David George, Onos Edemefe, and Suleiman Aremu, are currently under investigation for alleged involvement in illegal oil bunkering and Automatic Identification System (AIS) infractions.
The vessel and its crew were intercepted and arrested on February 27, 2024, by officers of the Nigerian Navy. The vessel was found to be laden with approximately 1,322 metric tonnes of substance suspected to be crude oil, without proper documentation permitting its possession.
Upon receiving the crew members, vessel, and confiscated product on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Head of the Extractive Industry Fraud Section, Moses Awolusi, assured the Nigerian Navy of further investigations and prosecution of the suspects and exhibits. Awolusi also commended the Navy for its collaborative efforts with the EFCC, highlighting the positive working relationship between the two agencies over the years.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to conducting thorough investigations into the matter and ensuring that justice is served. Once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be charged accordingly in court.
