DSS Arraigns Two More Suspects Over Alleged Crude Oil Theft

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned two additional suspects in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over alleged crude oil theft, bringing the number of persons facing trial in connection with the case to 19.

The suspects, identified as Arafa David Dominic and Benson Ekiel Kekeme, were brought before a Magistrate Court in Uyo. However, the court declined jurisdiction over the matter due to the gravity of the alleged offences.

Following the development, the magistrate ordered that the two suspects be remanded at the Uyo Medium Correctional Facility for 21 days, pending the resumption of proceedings at the Federal High Court in Uyo, which is currently on recess.

The case dates back to April 9, 2026, when a joint task force reportedly carried out an operation against suspected crude oil theft activities offshore in Akwa Ibom State.

During the operation, authorities reportedly arrested 26 crew members and seized two vessels, identified as MT Wester and MT Umbodu, over allegations that crude oil was being illegally siphoned.

Seventeen suspects and the two vessels were earlier arraigned before the Federal High Court in Uyo and subsequently remanded in custody until September.

The latest arraignment brings the number of suspects facing trial in the alleged crude oil theft case to 19, as security agencies and other authorities continue efforts to combat illegal oil activities in the Niger Delta.