The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concerns about oil theft and the actions of petroleum marketers involved in oil bunkering in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to a report on X, EFCC operatives have highlighted instances of unethical practices where compromised petroleum products are acquired and sold to vehicle owners.
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This warning was issued during a courtesy visit recently by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to the Uyo Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander Oshodi Johnson.
There have been several serious consequences resulting from the committed crimes, which is why the warning was issued.
According to him, “the mandate of the EFCC authorizes it to tackle all cases of illegal oil bunkering and other acts of economic and financial crimes, warning that the Commission would stop at nothing to deal with any of such cases.
He further said, “If you’re not aiding, abetting or conspiring with illegal bunkerers, you don’t have a problem with us. We just want to discourage and discontinue the activities of illegal bunkerers because they sell to you, they bring their illegal products to you, but it’s high time we brought these things down.”
IPMAN Chairman, Comrade Francis Udeyen, said the visit aimed to clean up the petroleum sector and build a strong partnership between IPMAN and the Commission.
They also wanted to understand the EFCC’s role, especially whether it has the legal power to test petroleum products. He said, “We need to be informed on how the EFCC is involved in our line of business.”
Oshodi explained why EFCC officers test petroleum products, saying it helps stop illegal oil bunkering and ensures a safe and reliable fuel supply. He said, “We need to be informed on how the EFCC is involved in our line of business”
He promised IPMAN that they would continue working together to stop the mixing of fake fuel in the state and across the country.
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