The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said it has taken over the investigation of three suspected illegal crude oil dealers in Akwa Ibom State.

A statement on Wednesday by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said the suspects were reportedly dealing in petroleum products without an appropriate licence.

Oyewale said the suspects—Victory Smart Bassey, Ita Okon and Michael Akpa—were arrested on November 5, 2024, along Ibeno waterways by the Nigerian Navy ship Forward Operating Base Ibaka.

They were subsequently handed over to EFCC on Wednesday, November 13 for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He said they were arrested onboard a wooden boat ladened with about 60, 000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude oil, conveyed in 12 plastic G-PEE tanks.

Base Operating Officer Lieutenant Commander O. Okaula, while handing over the suspects, assured of the navy’s commitment to the security of the waterways.

EFCC takes over investigation of 3 suspected oil thieves in Akwa Ibom