The Federal High Court, Uyo, has convicted nine crude oil thieves arrested by the Nigerian Navy.
The suspects were arrested on 7 February 2026. They were arrested during an intelligence-led operation. They were allegedly stealing crude oil from an oil wellhead identified as ASABO-D in Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
The operation was under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
The nine convicts are Micheal Olayinka Mebawandu, Gerekumo Duduku, Godpromise Toikeebi Amijoe, Victor Ita, Owei Godspower, Newyear Orimisan Fiyeboju and three others. The images released by the Navy showed Innocent Oluwatosin Egbayelo among them.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy has applauded the conviction, saying it shows what can be achieved when operational action is matched by prosecution and judicial determination.
Director of Naval Information, Nigerian Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, said the Operation DELTA SENTINEL started in January 2026. Since then, it has dismantled over 241 illegal refining sites. It has recovered more than 6.44 million litres of suspected stolen crude oil and illegally refined products. It has arrested over 230 suspects.
Captain Folorunsho said the operation uses intelligence-driven surveillance, precision interdictions and sustained maritime dominance across the Niger Delta.
He said the efforts support the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The policy is to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2027.
The Navy spokesman commended the judiciary for the judgment. It appreciated the Department of State Services for its role in the case. It called for accelerated adjudication of all pending crude oil theft cases.
The Navy said it will sustain operations against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering. It warned individuals and groups involved to desist.
It called on host communities to provide credible information on criminal activities.
