The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is pushing for the creation of a specialized court to handle cases related to oil theft and vandalism in Nigeria. Michael Uzokwe, Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, made this appeal during an investigative hearing on crude oil theft in Abuja.
Uzokwe argued that the inefficiencies and delays associated with regular courts are hindering the prosecution of oil theft cases and obstructing efforts to combat such financial crimes. He stressed that specialized courts would streamline the legal process and improve recovery efforts for stolen oil and related crimes.
Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the Special Committee on Crude Oil Theft, also proposed forming a sub-committee to assess the effectiveness of the Molecular Power System (MPS) oil theft detection system. This step was deemed necessary due to the lack of significant recoveries from the multi-million dollar contract, which includes a $5 million retainer fee but has not produced the expected results.
The sub-committee will collaborate with the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to explore ways to reduce and eliminate oil theft. Rep. Sada Soli, representing Ado-Doguwa, questioned the continued use of the MPS system, citing its lack of success and resistance from influential lawyers benefiting from the contract.
Soli also raised concerns about the Attorney-General’s directive that Nigerian lawyers’ retainers be paid in dollars, questioning its implications and fairness.
According to audit reports by NEITI, Nigeria loses an average of over 140,000 barrels of crude oil daily.