DSS Arraigns Two More Suspects Over Alleged Crude Oil Theft

The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken two more suspected members of a syndicate involved in crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom State to court.

The suspects, Arepade Dominic Ekprese and Benson Ekiokekeme Innocent, were arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Uyo, but the court declined jurisdiction over the matter.

The court held that the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to hear the case and ordered the two suspects to be remanded at the Uyo Medium Correctional Facility for 21 days.

The DSS said the suspects were part of a syndicate busted during an intelligence-driven operation on April 9, 2026. The operation led to the arrest of 26 crew members and the seizure of two motorized tankers, MT Westaf and MT Mkpodu.