DSS arraigns 19 suspects over crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom
The Department of State Services, DSS, on Friday arraigned 19 suspects before an Uyo Magistrate Court over alleged crude oil theft. The DSS had earlier arraigned 19 suspects over that matter. It was gathered that the suspects were arrested following intelligence driven operation led by the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe. Twenty-six crew members […] DSS arraigns 19 suspects…
On Friday, the Department of State Services (DSS) presented 19 suspects before an Uyo Magistrate Court in connection to alleged crude oil theft. The DSS had previously taken charge of the case. The suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation executed by the Joint Task Force, South South, and Operation Delta Safe.
During the operation, 26 crew members and two motorized vessels – identified as MT WESTAF and MT MKPODU – were taken into custody while accused of siphoning crude oil from a platform owned by a major oil company situated on the Akwa Ibom State coastline.
However, during the arraignment, the Magistrate Court declined jurisdiction over the matter, referring to relevant provisions of the Constitution. Instead, the court decided to remand the suspects in the Uyo medium correctional facility for an initial period of 21 days. The purpose of this remand is to prepare for a proper trial once the Federal High Court returns from recess.
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