The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated an inquiry into 16 alleged oil thieves and a vessel that was handed over to them by the Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos.
L.M. Osuman, the individual who transferred the vessel and the suspected oil thieves, revealed that the vessel, MT. Vinnalaris 1, was seized along with its crew members on December 6, 2023, carrying approximately 515,870 litres of crude oil near the Ebesun Oil Field. Osuman stated that the vessel was engaged in loading crude oil without the necessary permit.
Commodore Usman from the Nigerian Navy affirmed the Navy’s commitment to combating oil theft in the country.
Moses Awolusi, an investigator representing the EFCC, assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and if the suspects are found guilty, they will be prosecuted accordingly.
