The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has begun investigations into two suspected oil thieves who were arrested for allegedly dealing in petroleum products without the requisite licence.

 EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated this in a press release on Thursday.

According to him, they were arrested at Ikot Ekpene on November 4 by a joint task force team of officers from the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment, Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom LGA in Akwa Ibom.

He said the suspects were handed over to the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on November 7.

Mr Oyewale said, ”At the time of their arrest, the suspects were allegedly loading petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) from an underground dump into a truck. An estimated quantity of 19,400 litres of the said product was stored in the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station, Ikot Ekpene.

“Other items handed over to the commission include the Iveco truck loaded with approximately 3,287 litres of the illegally refined AGO and the underground dump at Olive Field Filling Station with an estimated 19,400 litres of the suspected illegally refined AGO.

“Other items include two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, one Mercedes-Benz MI 350 with registration number KRF 287 EP and a DAF 75 CF with registration number GGE 193 XG.”

He stated that J.K. Adisa handed over the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, N.E. Okoloagu.

According to him, the assistant superintendent of the EFCC, Taiwo Habeeb, received the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the zonal director, assistant commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Oshodi Johnson.

He thanked the army for the confidence reposed in the commission and assured them of a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.

(NAN)