The Nigerian Navy Ship, Pathfinder in Rumuolumeni, Rivers State has arrested and handed over five suspected oil thieves to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for possible prosecution.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, NNS Pathfinder Base Operating Officer, Abubakar Sidi said the Navy also seized a diesel-laden barge and a tugboat.
He said following the activation of operation “River Dominance” in January 2022, over 35 wooden boats have been handed over to various prosecuting agencies.
According to him, the Navy would sustain its aggressive posture in ensuring that oil bunkering and other related crimes are reduced to a minimum in the state.
Meanwhile, receiving the suspects and exhibits from the Navy, an Assistant Superintendent of EFCC, Shaka Arasah said the suspects would be prosecuted according to the law if found guilty.
He said, “On behalf of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa and the Zonal Commander of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command, Mr. Nwakike Nwaneka, I’m here to officially take over the arrested exhibits, christened NV Kanye and tugboat NV Bonny River.
“The next thing after the handing over, we are going to prosecute them if found culpable, they would be brought to book.”
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