The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday, took into custody, six men apprehended by the Nigerian Navy while transporting one million liters of diesel suspected to be illegally refined in Bayelsa State.
A Principal Detective Superintendent of the EFCC, Tasiu Abubakar, revealed this while addressing newsmen in the Forward Operating Base of the Navy (FORMOSO) in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Explaining further, he said the six suspects were apprehended in Brass waterways by men of the Nigerian Naval while transporting illegally refined petroleum products worth about N350million.
Handing over the suspects and the barge named ‘MT Gratitude’ to the EFCC, the Commander of FOB Formoso, Commodore Ibrahim Suleiman, said the Nigerian Navy in its determination to rid the Niger Delta region of illegal activities, especially crude oil bunkering, is handing over the suspects to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.
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He said “MT Gratitude, owned by Ocean Honey Nigeria Limited was arrested on January 9, 2020, as she was found conveying AGO.
“As you know the Niger Delta is known for illegal bunkering, popularly known as Kpoo Fire.
“From laboratory test analysis of Department of Petroleum Resources, shows that the product is fake diesel.
“As directed by the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, that crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and all form of criminalities should be put to stop in the region, just as he has declared war on them.”
He said that the Nigerian Navy has been on the sea, to ensure that the waterways are safe for sea fearers who are going their legitimate businesses.
The Commodore, advice criminals to take advantage of various opportunities of Federal Government programs aimed at alleviating poverty and empowering young people across the country.
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