The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to illegal oil bunkerers and petroleum marketers in Akwa Ibom State, cautioning them against engaging in illicit activities such as procuring and selling adulterated petroleum products.
This warning was delivered by the Uyo Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE 1) Oshodi Johnson, during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Akwa Ibom State Coordinating Committee, to his office last week.
Speaking during the meeting, Oshodi emphasized that the EFCC has a clear mandate to tackle illegal oil bunkering and other financial crimes, adding that the Commission would not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone found culpable.
He also urged petroleum marketers to steer clear of illegal activities, warning that those who aid or abet oil bunkerers would face legal consequences.
“If you’re not aiding, abetting, or conspiring with illegal bunkerers, you have nothing to fear. We are focused on discouraging and discontinuing the activities of those involved in illegal oil bunkering. These individuals sell their illegal products to you, but it is high time we put an end to this menace,” Oshodi stated.
On their part, the IPMAN delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Francis Udeyen, expressed a willingness to collaborate with the EFCC in sanitizing the petroleum downstream sector.
Udeyen also sought clarification on the EFCC’s role in testing petroleum products, questioning the Commission’s legal authority to conduct such examinations.
Responding, Oshodi explained that testing petroleum products is essential in combating illegal oil bunkering and ensuring the integrity of fuel supply.
Furthermore, Oshodi revealed that the EFCC had recently launched a state-of-the-art forensic laboratory in Port Harcourt, which meets international standards for testing petroleum products.
“Our testing process is aimed at identifying and stopping illegal oil bunkering. The EFCC has one of the best forensic laboratories, recently launched in Port Harcourt, to ensure that petroleum products in circulation meet required standards,” he stated.
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Meanwhile, the EFCC zonal director further assured IPMAN of sustained collaboration in tackling the menace of fuel adulteration, emphasizing that collective efforts are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the petroleum industry in Akwa Ibom State and across the country.
