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