The convicts were prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Akwa Ibom following their arrest and handover by the Nigerian Navy on February 7, 2025.
They were arrested while allegedly siphoning crude oil from an oil wellhead known 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 on Monday, September 14, 2026, Justice Joy Ikpeme held that the prosecution had proved its case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge subsequently sentenced each of them to 10 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
Meanwhile, 21 other suspected oil thieves are currently undergoing various stages of prosecution in Akwa Ibom State over similar offences.
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