Crude Oil Thieves Arraigned in Akwa Ibom Following Intelligence-Driven Operation
Two suspected crude oil thieves were arraigned in Uyo's Magistrate Court over alleged involvement in a large-scale theft operation.
The suspects, Arepade Dominic Ekprese and Benson Ekiokekeme Innocent, were brought before the court after being on the run following an intelligence-driven operation by the Joint Task Force South South.
The operation, which took place on April 9, 2026, led to the arrest of crew members and the seizure of two motorized tankers, MT Westaf and MT Mkpodu, allegedly siphoning crude oil from a platform operated by an oil company in Akwa Ibom State.
The court declined jurisdiction over the matter due to constitutional provisions regarding offences of such gravity and ordered the suspects to be remanded at the Uyo Medium Correctional Facility for 21 days pending the resumption of the Federal High Court.