Navy arrests oil seven oil workers over crude oil theft

WorldStage Newsonline-- Seven suspected workers of an oil exploration and production company have been apprehended by operatives of the Central Naval Command (CNC) over alleged  siphoning and selling crude oil from a wellhead in Bayelsa State.

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), CNC, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, said  the suspects were apprehended from a vessel christened, DERA 1 at Eremor Field 1 at Peretorugbene town in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the stat.

The exploration and production firm’s vessel was said to have been rounded up by naval troops during a routine patrol of oil facilities in the area.

Conducting journalists round the oil field, the FOC said it was discovered that a pipe was connected from the wellhead to the vessel.

He said the suspected had already pumped crude oil valued at over 8,000 metric tonnes into the vessel when they were nabbed.

Suleiman said  that the oil firm was only authorized to take samples of the product from Eremor Field 1 but not to sell it out to buyers.

He said: “Eremor Field 1 is not a loading point. So, selling of the product by staff of the oil firm was illegal.

"They are only asked to take samples but from our investigation, we are made to know that they  have been selling from the barge.”

The FOC disclosed that the command, through investigation, discovered that members of the company had sold 5,000 metric tonnes of the product.

He further said  that the Navy came to know about the illegal deal when the purchasing returned the product on the grounds that it was contaminated and then sued the exploration firm.

The FOC noted that the suspects were handed over to the relevant agency while signals were sent to the Navy headquarters, Abuja for further direction.

He warned persons involved in illegal oil activities in the area to desist forthwith or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

One of the suspects and Safety Officer of the exploration and production firm, Mr. Emmanuel Okotie told journalists that the capacity of crude in the vessel on the spot was over 50, 000 barrels.

 He said, “I am aware that some product was moved from here but I am not aware of its return because I am new here.  The company has been taking samples from the well-head since 2004.

"The barge was storing the crude pending when a pipeline will be constructed through Shell manifold to evacuate the crude."

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