EFCC Probes Duo Over Illegal Diesel Trade
By Daniel Ojukwu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced it has launched investigations into two individuals arrested on November 4, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly engaging in the unlicensed trade of petroleum products. A joint task force from the Nigerian Army’s 2‑Brigade, stationed at Mbiokporo in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, apprehended the suspects and transferred them to the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate on November 7. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said in a statement that the suspects were caught loading automotive gas oil (AGO), suspected to be illegally refined, from an underground storage pit at Olive Field Filling Station, Ikot Ekpene. He added that around 19,400 litres of the suspected product were found in the underground dump, and an Iveco truck carrying approximately 3,287 litres of the refined AGO was seized at the site. The items handed over to the Commission along with the suspects included two Yamaha pumping machines, four suction hoses, a Mercedes‑Benz ML 350 (registration KRF 287 EP) and a DAF 75 CF truck (registration GGE 193 XG).
The handover of the suspects and exhibits was performed by Col. J.K. Adisa on behalf of Brig‑Gen. N.E. Okoloagu, Commander of 2‑Brigade. At the EFCC side, Assistant Superintendent Taiwo Habeeb received the items on behalf of Zonal Director ACE1 Oshodi Johnson. Oyewale expressed appreciation for the Army’s cooperation and emphasised the EFCC’s commitment to a thorough investigation and rigorous prosecution of the matter. This case unfolds against the backdrop of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with illegal oil bunkering, unauthorised refining and diversion of petroleum products. According to the EFCC, such offences include dealing in petroleum without the requisite licence a crime that has resulted in multiple prosecutions over the years. For instance, the EFCC has previously arraigned suspects for illegal dealings in petroleum products, citing violations under Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act (Cap M17).
Experts note the broader implications of illegal refining and bunkering: beyond revenue loss for the country, the environmental and safety consequences are grave. A study by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa highlights how illegal refining “has cost lives and environment for decades” in the Niger Delta, including explosive mishaps, massive crude loss and pollution of soil and waterways.
By way of context, in recent years law‑enforcement agencies have uncovered facilities and operations storing large quantities of illegally refined fuels. For example, in one raid in September 2024, police operatives discovered 40,000 litres of petroleum products stored in 67 tanks at a site in Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, during an operation against illicit refining.The EFCC’s move is also part of a pressurised effort to curb economic sabotage in the oil sector. In one of its reports, the Commission revealed it had recovered nearly US$500 million in proceeds of crime during a year, including large quantities of seized petroleum products, highlighting the scale of illicit activity in the downstream/midstream sector.
For the current Akwa Ibom case, the immediate next steps involve formal charges being filed, further investigative work by the Uyo Zonal Directorate, and confirmation of whether the suspects will be remanded or granted bail. The outcome may also shed light on networks facilitating unauthorised refining operations, given the volume of products and equipment recovered. As Nigeria continues to invest in strengthening regulatory oversight of petroleum products from licences to tracking of storage facilities this case serves as a reminder of the persistent challenge posed by illicit fuel trade and its consequences for the economy, environment and security.