EFCC launches probe into suspected oil theft in Uyo

Abdullateef Fowewe

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, have commenced investigations into two suspected oil thieves, Moses Michael Mufans and Abba Sunday, who were arrested for allegedly dealing in petroleum products without a license.

The suspects were apprehended on November 4, 2025, at Ikot Ekpene by a Joint Task Force comprising officers from the 2-Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment, Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

They were handed over to EFCC on November 7, 2025.

At the time of arrest, the suspects were “allegedly loading petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) from an underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station, Ikot Ekpene, into a white Iveco Truck.”

The underground dump contained an estimated 19,400 litres of the suspected illegal product.

Items seized and handed over to the Commission include:
• Iveco truck loaded with approximately 3,287 litres of illegally refined AGO
• Underground dump with estimated 19,400 litres of suspected AGO
• Two Yamaha pumping machines and four suction hoses
• One Mercedes Benz MI 350 (registration number KRF 287 EP)
• One DAF 75 CF truck (registration number GGE 193 XG)

Colonel JK Adisa handed the suspects and exhibits to the EFCC on behalf of Brigadier General NE Okoloagu, commander of 2-Brigade Nigerian Army.

Assistant Superintendent ASE 1 Taiwo Adetona Habeeb, on behalf of the EFCC Zonal Director, received them.

EFCC Assistant Commander ACE1 Oshodi Johnson expressed gratitude: “We thank the Army for the confidence reposed in the Commission and assure them of a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.”