Legal Expert Urges Technological Innovation to Combat Crude Oil Theft, Accused Navy For Connivance.

Lawyer Mike Ozekhome Advocates Stronger Measures and Legal Reforms at NBA Conference

Renowned legal practitioner Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has emphasized the urgent need for the deployment of advanced technology to counter the persistent issues of crude oil theft and piracy plaguing Nigeria. Speaking as a panelist during a breakout session at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference held at the National Stadium in Abuja, Ozekhome passionately addressed the challenges and potential solutions.

During the session, Ozekhome underscored the significance of leveraging "strong technology" to curb the activities of crude oil thieves and pirates. He highlighted the potential benefits that innovative technological solutions could offer in monitoring and safeguarding Nigeria's valuable natural resources.

Moreover, Ozekhome advocated for substantial legal reforms aimed at deterring individuals involved in crude oil theft. He stressed the importance of imposing stricter penalties on offenders to serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in such illicit activities. This proposed measure aligns with his belief that enhancing legal consequences could contribute to the overall reduction of crude oil theft.

Furthermore, Ozekhome called for a novel approach to addressing the issue of illegal refineries located in the Niger Delta region. He suggested that the government should consider legalizing these refineries as a means to regulate and control their operations. This stance is underpinned by the belief that formalizing these activities could lead to improved oversight and reduced illegal practices.

Drawing an analogy to illustrate his point, Ozekhome compared the responsibility of the Nigerian Navy to that of a security guard protecting a home. He questioned how significant sea vessels could seemingly vanish without a trace, suggesting that there might be complicity within the Navy ranks. Ozekhome alleged that government officials in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy could be involved in crude oil theft, a matter that needs to be addressed transparently.

In a bold call to action, Ozekhome urged the Nigerian Navy to unveil the identities of those implicated in the theft of crude oil. He emphasized that exposing the culprits and initiating legal proceedings against them would serve as a powerful deterrent and a step toward achieving accountability.

As the NBA conference continues, Ozekhome's insights and recommendations contribute to the ongoing discussions about combatting the challenges posed by crude oil theft and piracy in Nigeria. The potential integration of technology and legal reforms may hold the key to curbing these illegal activities and preserving the nation's valuable resources.