Bayelsa Monarch Blasts FG Over Failure to Prosecute Oil Thieves in Niger Delta

The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State, King Bubaraye Dakolo, has criticized the Federal Government for its failure to identify, prosecute, and jail the true masterminds behind the persistent oil theft plaguing the Niger Delta, despite the loss of trillions of dollars’ worth of crude oil.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, King Dakolo, who also serves as Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed deep frustration over the government’s inaction and lack of accountability.

According to him, the federal authorities have yet to clearly define who qualifies as an oil thief, even though the crime has been ongoing for decades.

“What I do know is that the Federal Government doesn’t know who an oil thief is. It’s shocking that after all these years, no one has been arrested, prosecuted, or jailed for oil theft. Go to the Kirikiri correctional centre — not a single oil thief is listed there. The same applies to prisons in Kogi and Kuje,” he said.

Government Targeting the Wrong People

Dakolo accused the government of going after poor and helpless locals instead of the real perpetrators.

“Records show that about 200,000 barrels of crude oil are stolen daily. That quantity can’t fit into anyone’s pocket or mouth — it requires ocean-going vessels. Yet, the Nigerian state is busy hunting down the victims of oil theft: young people who can’t afford trousers or three meals a day, not those with the means to finance large-scale theft.”

He argued that the real oil thieves live in luxury and wield significant influence.

“The real oil thief owns properties in Banana Island, Abuja, London, Europe, and America. They cruise in yachts, have glossy skin, and won’t step into the creeks of the Niger Delta without a military convoy, doctors, and nurses — all to avoid the bite of a mosquito.”

A Legacy of Unaccountability

The monarch also spoke on the staggering losses the country has suffered due to oil theft and the lack of transparency in resource management.

“The Federal Government’s failure to properly define who an oil thief is has led us down this destructive path. It’s estimated that about $3 trillion worth of oil has been extracted over the years, much of it stolen and never accounted for.”

He likened the oil theft saga to the infamous Abacha loot, noting how billions have been siphoned without consequence.

“Even though Abacha died nearly three decades ago, Nigeria still recovers stolen funds linked to him every year — possibly again this year. That’s about $1 trillion. The remaining $2 trillion, which should’ve gone into developing the nation, has also largely vanished — stolen, misused, or wasted on frivolities.”

Dakolo lamented that, instead of confronting the issue head-on, authorities deflect blame with absurd excuses.

“That money was eaten by cows, stolen by fish, swallowed by snakes — that’s the kind of explanation we get. The truth is, there’s no accountability. Nobody wants to define who an oil thief really is.”

Efforts to Boost Oil Production

In February, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had stated that security agencies and stakeholders in the oil sector were working to meet President Bola Tinubu’s goal of increasing crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day. He issued a three-month ultimatum to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Despite this, Nigeria’s output remains stuck at around 1.4 million barrels per day, far below the target.