The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; EFCC has  commenced investigations into the activities of eight suspected oil thieves in Rivers State. The suspects were handed over to the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the EFCC by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Rivers State, on Wednesday January 10, 2024.

The EFCC in a statement on its website noted that the suspects were arrested with an unquantified amount of illegally acquired Automotive Gas Oil, also known as diesel, along Bonny Channel.

According to the Naval Hand-Over Officer, Lieutenant Commander G.Y. Gwaza, the vessel, MV Cabrini, and her eight crew members were arrested during an operation on November 8, 2023.

Gwaza said the suspected oil thieves were handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

In response, Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, Itoro Levi, who received the suspects on behalf of the EFCC, assured that thorough and professional investigations would be carried out in the case.

She also thanked the Navy for its collaborative efforts with the anti-graft agency.