In a significant legal victory, the Federal Government has secured a major win in its ongoing battle against oil theft, with two individuals convicted of pilfering petroleum products being ordered to pay a hefty N10 million fine.
Olufunsho Dayo Chevy and Uwem Udo Nya, who were arrested by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory in late July 2024, were convicted by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Calabar for illegally dealing with petroleum products. Their conviction was based on a one-count charge of oil theft and the unlicensed dealing of petroleum products.
This ruling is being hailed as a landmark decision, underscoring the Nigerian government’s commitment to clamping down on the rampant issue of oil theft in the country. As part of the sentence, each of the convicts was ordered to pay a N5 million fine, making a total of N10 million, which will be deposited directly into the account of the Federal Government.
The case came to light when operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Uyo, working closely with the Nigerian Navy, tracked down the accused after their illegal activities were detected. The convicts, who were on board the vessel MT New Angel, had been involved in illicit oil dealings off the coast of the Niger Delta, a region notorious for illegal oil siphoning.
In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, it was revealed that the convicts pleaded guilty to the charges in court. This admission of guilt was crucial in speeding up the legal process, ensuring that the case was handled swiftly and efficiently.
“This conviction is a significant step in our efforts to combat oil theft and ensure that those who engage in these illegal activities face serious consequences,” said Oyewale. “The sentence serves as a stern warning to others involved in oil theft and the illegal petroleum trade in Nigeria.”
Oil theft has long been a problem in Nigeria, costing the country billions of dollars in lost revenue annually. The practice involves siphoning crude oil from pipelines or vessels and selling it on the black market, often with the involvement of criminal syndicates. In some cases, these stolen products are smuggled out of the country, further exacerbating the financial losses.
In 2024 alone, reports from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) indicated that the country lost over 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily due to theft. This has had a devastating impact on the country’s oil exports, which make up a significant portion of its revenue. The EFCC’s crackdown on oil theft is seen as part of a broader strategy to curb the economic consequences of this illegal activity.
The vessel MT New Angel, which was seized along with the convicts, is owned by Edi Eurolink Distribution, a company that was also implicated in the case. The company has been linked to a number of illicit activities in the Niger Delta region, where oil theft is most rampant. It remains unclear whether the company will face further legal actions, but experts believe the ruling against its employees could open the door for more scrutiny of companies operating in the region.
“This ruling is a step toward making corporate entities more accountable for the actions of their employees and associates,” said a legal expert familiar with the case. “Companies that turn a blind eye to criminal activities within their ranks must understand that they too could face legal repercussions.”
The Federal Government, through the EFCC, has intensified its efforts to clamp down on oil theft, which has been a source of frustration for policymakers and citizens alike. The Nigerian government has also been working with international partners to trace and block the flow of stolen oil across borders.
“The fight against oil theft is not just a national issue; it’s a global one,” said a source within the EFCC. “We are collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that those involved in oil theft, both within and outside Nigeria, face justice.”
The Navy’s role in the operation was pivotal, with the NNS Victory intercepting the vessel after receiving intelligence reports about its illegal activities. The navy’s personnel handed over the suspects and the vessel to the EFCC, which immediately began its investigations.
“The interception of this vessel was part of our coordinated efforts to ensure that criminals involved in oil theft do not find safe havens in Nigerian waters,” said Rear Admiral Nnamdi Udu of the Nigerian Navy. “We will continue to partner with the EFCC and other agencies to rid our waters of criminal activities.”
While the conviction is being celebrated by some as a victory for the rule of law, others believe that this case should serve as a springboard for more comprehensive reforms within the oil and gas sector. Critics argue that despite the occasional arrest and conviction, the root causes of oil theft, including corruption, lack of enforcement, and poverty, remain largely unaddressed.
The conviction also raises questions about the future of Nigeria’s oil industry, especially in the face of increasing calls for diversification away from oil dependency. The country’s heavy reliance on oil exports has left it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and has fueled a cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta.
Despite these challenges, the government’s commitment to holding criminals accountable is clear. This conviction sends a strong message to oil thieves that their illegal activities will no longer go unchecked.
