Court Jails Nine Oil Thieves 10 Years Each in Akwa Ibom

A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has sentenced nine men to 10 years’ imprisonment each for oil theft.

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 identified 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 established its case against the nine men beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Ikpeme consequently sentenced each of them to 10 years in prison without an option of fine.

The conviction adds to ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb oil theft and other economic crimes in the Niger Delta, particularly activities that threaten the country’s oil production and revenue.

Meanwhile, 21 other suspected oil thieves are reportedly at various stages of prosecution for similar offences in Akwa Ibom State.