The Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Navy, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has handed over a bunkered vessel, MV GRATITUDE, and its 6-man crew to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for further investigation and prosecution.
The vessel was intercepted on January 9 by the Navy, leading to the arrest of Victor Ita (captain), Rotimi Poroye, Henry Edet Bassey, Raphael Adewale, Godswill Iko and Jonah Achieve.
During the handing-over on Wednesday, the Commanding Officer of the Base, Commodore Suleiman Ibrahim, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at the Brass inshore water anchorage, while the ship was laden with 1,000,000 liters of locally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
He assured of the Navy’s determination to clear waterways of illegal oil bunkering and sea pirates for legitimate business operators to thrive.
Receiving the vessel and crew members on behalf of the EFCC, Tasiu Abubakar, a Superintendent of Police, promised diligent investigation into the case.
