The Port Harcourt Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday received for prosecution, four suspected oil thieves from the Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder.
The suspects, Ebenezer Afonka, Bernard Umor, Kingsley Monday, and Ishmael Willy were handed over to the Commission alongside a vessel: MV Captain Samuel.
Naval Commander, S. G Muhammed, who handed over the suspects and the vessel, said they were arrested on October 24, 2020 by operatives of NNS Pathfinder, for suspected involvement in illegal oil bunkering.
Muhammed explained that at the time of arrest, the vessel was laden with an unspecified quantity of substance suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel.
Head, Counter Terrorism and General Investigation, EFCC Port Harcourt, Tasui Abubakar, who received the suspects and the vessel on behalf of the Commission, assured the Navy that justice will be served on the matter.
Abubakar said investigation of the suspects has already begun, and they will be charged to court upon conclusion.