EFCC Secures Conviction of 2 Oil Thieves, 1 Internet Fraudster in Akwa Ibom
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two oil thieves and one internet fraudster in Akwa Ibom State, underscoring the agency’s continued efforts to combat economic crimes in the country.
Conviction of Oil Thieves
On January 13, 2025, the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC secured the conviction of Olufunsho Dayo Chevy and Uwem Udo Nya for oil theft and unlicensed dealing in petroleum products. The convicts were sentenced by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State.
Both convicts were charged with stealing and dealing with petroleum products without the necessary license from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The court also ordered the forfeiture of the vessel MT New Angel and the company Edi Eurolink Distribution to the federal government.
The duo was fined N20 million, which is to be paid into the federal government’s account, with N5 million each for the two convicts. The charges read:
“That you, MT New Angel, Edi Eurolink Distribution, Olufunsho Dayo Chevy, Uwem Udoh Nya, Olusaneku Patrick Victor (at large), Ezie Kenneth Othuke (at large), Imo Tammy Wisdom (at large), Ege Isaiah (at large), Obanla Sunday John (at large), Asuquo Okon Iwait (at large), Yoosu Alex Aonodue (at large), Nwaigwe Kingdom (at large), Ezechukwu Stanley Nnamdi (at large), sometime in June 2024, at Calabar within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court without an appropriate license issued by Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, did deal in petroleum product (crude oil) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 13(2)(b)(i) of the Petroleum Act CAP Pi0, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and punishable under the same Section.”
The two convicts pleaded guilty to the charge, after which the prosecution counsel, Joshua Abolarin, presented evidence, urging the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. The defence counsels, Chris Okeadaka and Cyprian Afahanam, pleaded for mercy, noting that the convicts were first-time offenders. The court, however, proceeded with the sentencing.
The suspects were arrested by the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Victory and handed over to the EFCC on July 30, 2024. Nine other suspects linked to the crime are still at large.
Conviction of Internet Fraudster
In a separate case, Shedrach Johnson, also known as Johnny Depp, was convicted for internet fraud by Justice Maurine Onyetenu of the Federal High Court, Uyo, on January 16, 2025. Johnson was sentenced to three months imprisonment after pleading guilty to identity theft, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretense.
Johnson was arrested on November 23, 2024, in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom State. During his trial, the prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmud, presented incriminating documents found on Johnson’s mobile device as evidence. Mahmud urged the court to convict the defendant based on the evidence provided.
The defence counsel, Samson Awuje, requested a lighter sentence, but the court instead imposed an option of fine of N100,000 and ordered the forfeiture of Johnson’s Techno K.E.5 mobile phone. The court further directed that the phone be auctioned, with the proceeds deposited into the EFCC’s proceeds’ account.
Implications of the Convictions
The convictions send a strong message about the EFCC’s relentless efforts to combat economic crimes in Nigeria. The oil theft case highlights the government’s zero-tolerance policy for illegal dealings in petroleum products, while the internet fraud conviction underscores the growing efforts to tackle cybercrime in the country.
With these convictions, the EFCC continues to build on its commitment to enhancing economic integrity and ensuring justice for victims of economic crimes.
