EFCC Disposes 45 Vehicles Used For Bunkering, Illicit Crimes In Rivers

In a determined sustained effort to stem the tide of oil bunkering and other illicit crimes, the zonal command of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Port Harcourt in Rivers State has disposed 45 vehicles of various brands used for illegal oil bunkering and other related criminal activities across the state.
The vehicles disposed through auction, vary from small vehicles, buses, tankers and other heavy duty trucks.
The vehicles and their owners were arrested by operatives of the commission in different operations, and later charged to court.
However, the court, having found the accused culpable, declared that the vehicles be forfeited to the Federal Government through the commission.
To this end, EFCC engaged the services of Samauira Ventures Integrated Services Limited as the sole auctioning company.
Earlier on Monday, when the process of the auctioning started, prospective buyers who indicated interest to buy the vehicles, trooped to the POWA premises venue of the viewing of the displayed items.
Speaking to journalists later on Tuesday, at the bid opening and auctioning ceremony at POWA premises in Port Harcourt, a director in the Public Affairs Unit of EFCC, Abuja, and a member of the bidding team, Mr Osita Nwaja, said the vehicles earmarked for auction were declared to have been forfeited to the Federal Government by courts, and assured of free, fair process.
He urged interested bidders to feel free and come for the exercise,adding that measures have been put in place for a hitch-free exercise.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Samaruia Ventures Integrated Services Limited, Hajia Salamatu Abdullahi, said the company won the bidding rights from EFCC after due diligence, adding that the company would follow due process stipulated in line with auctioning policy.
She promised that winners would emerge through a transparent manner devoid of any manipulation or favouritism,adding that the prices would be affordable.
Speaking to journalists,some of the prospective bidders, expressed optimism that they would be lucky winners.

By: Akujobi Amadi