Nigerian Government Cracks Down on 23 Alleged Crude Oil Theft for Economic Sabotage

The Nigerian government has arraigned a vessel named MT Kali and 23 individuals accused of crude oil theft before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suspects face a 9-count charge related to the illegal siphoning of 119,000 litres of crude oil and tampering with a Chevron Wellhead without authorization.

The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/18/2024, allege that on January 11, 2024, the defendants conspired to transport crude oil within Nigeria's Exclusive Economic Zone without lawful authority.

This act is punishable under Section 1(7) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004. Additionally, they are accused of turning off the Automatic Identification System to evade detection by the Nigerian Navy, a violation of the Suppression of Privacy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.

A private company, SASNA Global Resources, along with individuals Ayokunle Eniola and David Adeboye, were specifically charged with unlawfully storing 119,000 litres of crude oil in MT Kali's cargo tanks, contrary to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

The vessel itself faces separate charges for concealing information that could have led to the arrest of its crew.

All accused parties, who were brought to court under heavy security, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered their remand in prison pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.

The Attorney General of the Federation, represented by Abubakar Mohammed Babadoko, emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, "This case underscores our commitment to eradicating economic sabotage and ensuring the integrity of our petroleum industry."

The list of defendants includes notable names such as Eze Chinedu Promise, Albert Ifeoluwa, Sienna Ohwobeuvghe, and several others, highlighting the extensive nature of the alleged conspiracy.