The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun investigation of 11 suspected oil thieves and one vessel, MT SAISNIL II, arrested by the Nigerian Navy.

The EFCC spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewole, confirmed this on Saturday in a statement.

Oyewole said that the suspects and vessel were handed over to the commission by the Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos.

He said that the vessel and the crew were intercepted and arrested on Feb. 7, 2024 by naval officers.

He said the suspects were allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering and Automatic Identification system (AIS) infractions at Abo Oilfield, Ogogoro Community, Ondo State.

“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded by commission’s operatives in its Lagos Command,” he said.