The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo on Monday, September 14, 2026, convicted and sentenced nine persons to 10 years’ imprisonment for oil theft within Akwa Ibom territorial waters.
The convicts were prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state following their arrest and handover by the Nigerian Navy on February 7, 2025.
They were arrested while siphoning crude oil from an oil wellhead known as ASABO-D in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The convicts include Michael Mebawondu, Owei Godspower Mitin, Godspromise Amigoe and Opuowei Siarerebo.
Others are Gerekumo Panyan, Newyear Orimisan, Victor Ita, Egbayelo Innocent Oluwatomisin and Ayakimeze Alexander Amagbopere.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Joy Ikpeme, noted that the prosecution had proved its case against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced them to 10 years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 21 suspected oil thieves are currently undergoing various stages of prosecution for the same offence in Akwa Ibom State.
