The convicts were found guilty of conspiracy and tampering with an oil pipeline, offences punishable under Section 1(7) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Delivering judgment, Justice Joy Ikpeme sentenced each of the nine men to five years imprisonment on the first count and another 10 years on the second count. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning they will effectively spend 10 years behind bars, with no option of a fine.
The suspects were arrested earlier this year during an intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Navy and the DSS. They were reportedly caught allegedly stealing crude oil from the ASABO-D oil well head in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
A security source described the conviction as another major step in the ongoing crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal bunkering across Nigeria’s maritime and riverine communities.
The activities have continued to raise concerns over lost government revenue, environmental pollution and the damage caused to communities in oil-producing areas.
Authorities say sustained enforcement efforts are necessary to protect the nation’s oil resources and curb illegal activities along the waterways.
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