The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its Lagos Zonal Command has commenced investigations of 16 suspected oil thieves and a vessel handed over to it by the Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos.
The EFCC disclosed this in a Saturday statement.
Cdr L.M. Osuman, who handed over the vessel and the suspected oil thieves disclosed that the vessel, MT. Vinnalaris 1, laden with about 515,870 litres of crude oil, was taken into custody along with its crew members on December 6, 2023, around Ebesun Oil Field by officers of the Nigerian Navy.
“The vessel was actively involved in loading crude oil without possessing any permit,” he said.
He assured that the Nigerian Navy would continue to do its part to combat oil theft in the country.
Moses Awolusi, an investigator with the EFCC, who received the vessel and the suspects on behalf of the commission, assured that diligent investigation would be carried out and the culprits prosecuted if found culpable.