By Okosun Dennis
The Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Lagos, Ahmed Ghali, has said that the zone has successfully secured the conviction of about 76 oil thieves in less than two years.
He said this on Friday while receiving in his office the new Commanding Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, Commodore B. Mohammed.
The Commander who paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), reassured him of their commitment to the fight against oil theft.
Ghali further stated that the convicts were among the153 suspects handed over by the Nigerian Navy for further investigation from December 2019 till date.
Ahmed Ghali, the EFCC boss disclosed that the Zone secured the conviction of nine vessels out of the 19 it took over from the Nigerian Navy from 2019 till date.
According to him, while eight vessels are currently being prosecuted, one is under investigation. “Meanwhile, I am awaiting legal advice on the last vessel before it is charged to court,” he added.
Ghali, assured his visitor that he would ensure “that the existing collaboration with the Nigerian Navy is sustained.
“About 90 percent of the cases handed over to us have been successfully dealt with.
“But we would not have achieved this without your support.”
Earlier in his address, Mohammed, who recently assumed Command of NNS Beecroft, said the visit was informed by the need to share ideas with the EFCC, which he described as a great partner in the sustained fight against illegal oil bunkering.
“I am impressed with the rate of prosecution and convictions secured by the EFCC, though more still needs to be done,” he said.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/we-secured-conviction-of-76-oil-thieves-in-less-than-24-months-efcc/
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