JTF arrests two Britons in Bayelsa over oil theft It has been disclosed that two British citizens, who were arrested on the suspicion that they stole crude oil in the Niger Delta, have been arrested and detained in Bayelsa State. According to Daily Independent, Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Paulo Shied, Major General Emmanuel Atewe, made the disclosure at the weekend in Calabar when he officially visited Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, in Government House, Calabar. “Our operation is to tackle oil theft and piracy because of their adverse effects on the economy and environment. Two Britons, who were involved in illegal oil business, have been caught and are now detained in Bayelsa.” Atewe, who assumed duties about two months ago, said illegal crude oil theft has been continuing because the punishment prescribed by law is too mild to deter perpetrators of the crime. Atewe suggested that a law should be enacted, which would make it possible for those who engage in illegal oil bunkering to remain in prison for life, if convicted by the court. The army officer said he was prescribing such weight of punishment because of the adverse effect illegal oil bunkering has on the nation’s economy, the environment, the society and security. In his remarks, Imoke said Nigeria’s legal framework should be strengthened so any person caught perpetrating illegal oil bunkering can be prosecuted and adequately punished. The governor said the strengthening of the nation’s legal framework for the purpose of bringing crude oil thieves to justice becomes necessary because it is a crime usually perpetrated by criminal networks that have international connections. He said the subsisting laws of the country, which deals with crude oil theft, is inadequate to serve as deterrent to criminals that operate in this sector. According to the governor, “Those involved need to be prosecuted and there is need to publicise and escalate it because of its international connections. Now that two Britons are in custody, it will help explain the capacity and technology involved because there is an international conspiracy.”
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 06:00:30 +0000
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