A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo has convicted and sentenced nine men arrested and prosecuted over oil theft within Akwa Ibom territorial waters.
The suspected oil thieves who were prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) Akwa Ibom State Command bagged 10 years imprisonment each.
The convicts were arrested following an intelligence led operation by the Nigerian Navy on February 7,2025, while siphoning crude oil from an oil well head known as ASABO – D in Ibeno LGA of Akwa Ibom State.
The convicts include, Michael Mebawondu, Owei Godspower Mitin, Godspromise Amigoe and Opuowei Siarerebo.
Others are, Gerekumo Panyan, Newyear Orimisan, Victor Ita, Egbayelo Innocent Oluwatomisin and Ayakimeze Alexander Amagbopere
Delivering judgement, the Presiding judge, Justice Joy Ikpeme noted that the prosecution had proven its case against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt, and slammed them ten years imprisonment without any option of fine.
This latest development comes on the heels of proactive multi-security agency approach in curbing the menace of oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
No fewer than 21 suspected oil thieves are currently undergoing various stages of prosecution for the same crime in Akwa Ibom State.