The Department of State Services, DSS, on Friday arraigned 19 suspects before an Uyo Magistrate Court over alleged crude oil theft.

The DSS had earlier arraigned 19 suspects over that matter.

It was gathered that the suspects were arrested following intelligence driven operation led by the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe.

Twenty-six crew members and two motorized vessels – MT WESTAF and MT MKPODU – were arrested while allegedly siphoning crude oil from a platform operated by a major oil company operating on the shores of Akwa Ibom State.

During Friday’s arraignment, the Magistrate Court declined jurisdiction over the matter, citing relevant provisions of the Constitution.

The court however remanded the suspects in the Uyo medium correctional facility for an initial period of 21 days pending when the Federal High Court will return from recess, for proper trial.