The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, has launched an investigation 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, by a Joint Task Force team of officers from the 2-Brigade Nigerian Army Military Cantonment in Akwa Ibom State.
The arrest was made at Ikot Ekpene, where 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 into a white Iveco Truck with registration number SMK 185 XB. An estimated 19,400 liters of the said product were stored in the underground dump, while the truck was loaded with approximately 3,287 liters of the illegally refined AGO.
The suspects were handed over to the EFCC on November 7, 2025, along with various exhibits, including two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, one Mercedes Benz MI 350, and a DAF 75 CF truck. Colonel JK Adisa handed over the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Commander 2-Brigade Nigeria Army, Brigadier General NE Okoloagu.
Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE 1 Taiwo Adetona Habeeb, received the suspects and exhibits on behalf of the Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC ACE1 Oshodi Johnson. The EFCC official thanked the Army for the confidence reposed in the Commission and assured them of a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution.
The EFCC’s investigation into the suspected oil thieves is ongoing, and the Commission is working to determine the extent of the alleged oil theft and the suspects’ involvement. This development is part of the government’s efforts to combat economic sabotage and ensure that those involved in such activities are brought to justice.
The suspects will be arraigned in court once the investigation is concluded. The EFCC’s action is a demonstration of its commitment to fighting economic and financial crimes in the country, particularly in the oil and gas sector ¹.