By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigation into nine suspected oil thieves arrested in Akwa Ibom State over alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products.
The suspects, Anthony Maxwell, Peter Francis, Sola Ilurimi, Emmanuel Effiong, Dickson Favour, Kolawole Ibojo, Shedrack Freeborn, Endurance Elisha and Luke Wisdom were apprehended on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Asabo Oilfield in the Qua Iboe Field area of Akwa Ibom State by officers of the Nigerian Navy Ship Forward Operating Base Ibaka.
According to a statement signed by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Uyo Directorate of the Commission on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for further investigation.
While handing over the suspects, the Commanding Officer of the naval base, Mohammed Abubakar Manga, disclosed that the crew members were intercepted while conveying four Geepee tanks laden with petroleum products suspected to be crude oil mixed with water, transported via a wooden boat.
He added that other items recovered from the suspects included four outboard engines, three pumping machines, four mobile phones and two power banks.
Receiving the suspects on behalf of the Uyo Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Oshodi Johnson, Deputy Superintendent of the EFCC, DSE Taiwo Adetona, commended the Navy for its doggedness in combating illegal oil bunkering in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
The EFCC also appreciated the continued collaboration of the Navy in the fight against economic sabotage and assured that the suspects would be subjected to thorough investigation and possible prosecution in line with the law.
