The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Rivers State says it has arrested 24 persons over alleged illegal oil bunkering in the the state.
It was gathered that the suspects were apprehended on Monday, at the Abonema wharf area after they were intercepted with large quantities of products suspected to be illegally refined.
In a statement on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, the EFCC said the products, stored in large tanks and drums could not be evacuated due to security reasons.
According to the statement, “They were arrested on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Abonema wharf area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where suspected illegally refined petroleum products, ferried across rivers are offloaded and trans-loaded into vehicles and trucks for distribution within Rivers state and other states.
“The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence available to the EFCC, on their alleged illegal oil bunkering operations.
“In the course of the arrest, a large quantity of products stored in large tanks and drums were discovered but could not be evacuated for security reasons. However, a Volkswagen Passat Car with registration number ABM 146 RR Rivers was recovered.
“The arrest of the suspects were met with stiff resistance with officers of the EFCC who attacked with dangerous weapons, with the rear windscreen of one of the Commission’s buses used for the operation damaged.
“The suspects are: Biokpor Kparango, Peace Udofia, Williams Niyabe, Sufiyanu A. Sale, Ibinabo Sila, Precious Christopher, God is Great Anna, Api Eli, Sabath Orubo, Life Sunday, Paul West and Obi Omini.
“Others are Lucky Akaluogbo, Victor Chibuzor, Omole Oluwa Muyiwa, Darlington Michael, Uche Nwankwo Onyinyechi Anayo, Emem Udofot, Mary Isaiah, Emabong Udoh, Confidence Sotonye, Ukoren Friday and Kingsley Edem.”
