A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced nine men to 10 years’ imprisonment each for oil theft in Akwa Ibom State.
The convicts were prosecuted by the Department of State Services, DSS, Akwa Ibom State Command, after they were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by the Nigerian Navy on February 7, 2025.
They were arrested while allegedly siphoning crude oil from an oil wellhead known as ASABO-D in Ibeno Local Government Area of the state.
The convicts are Michael Mebawondu, Owei Godspower Mitin, Godspromise Amigoe, Opuowei Siarerebo, Gerekumo Panyan, Newyear Orimisan, Victor Ita, Egbayelo Innocent Oluwatomisin and Ayakimeze Alexander Amagbopere.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Joy Ikpeme, held that the prosecution had proved its case against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
The court sentenced each of the nine men to 10 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
The conviction adds to ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle oil theft and related economic crimes in the Niger Delta.
No fewer than 21 other suspected oil thieves are currently at various stages of prosecution for similar offences in Akwa Ibom State.