The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, has commenced the investigation of 13 suspected oil thieves who were handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy in Lagos. This was disclosed on the X handle of the EFCC on Tuesday, April 30.
The commission revealed that the suspects, along with the vessel, MT SWEET MIRI, were intercepted and arrested by the Navy for alleged oil bunkering and Automatic Identification System infractions.
It added that the vessel was laden with about 1,322 metric tonnes of substance confirmed to bear the attributes of crude oil without any document permitting her to own the substance.
Head of the EFCC’s Extractive Industry Fraud Section (EIFS), Moses Awolusi, assured the Navy that the suspects and the exhibits would be subjected to further investigations and prosecution, commending the Navy for its collaboration.