Navy Seeks Faster Prosecution of Crude-Oil Theft Suspects After Calabar Arrest

The Nigerian Navy has called for faster prosecution of crude-oil theft cases, saying prolonged trials are creating a heavy administrative burden for the service. Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, spoke in Calabar after 12 crew members were arrested aboard a vessel allegedly carrying 650 metric tonnes of stolen crude oil. He said the command is still holding vessels seized as far back as 2022 while cases remain in court. According to him, maintaining seized ships diverts resources from naval operations. The vessel was reportedly registered in São Tomé and Príncipe, with Nigerian crew members on board. The Navy said it would sustain efforts to stop crude-oil theft, which it described as an organised crime with international links.

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