The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned two additional suspects over alleged crude oil theft in Akwa Ibom State, bringing the number of persons facing trial in connection with the case to 19.

The suspects, Arepade Dominic Ekprese and Benson Ekiokekeme Innocent, were arraigned on Thursday before a Magistrates’ Court sitting along Fulga Road, Uyo. They were reportedly among those who had been on the run.

The court declined jurisdiction over the case, citing the seriousness of the alleged offence and relevant constitutional provisions. However, the magistrate ordered that the two suspects be detained at the Uyo Medium Correctional Facility for 21 days.

The development followed the DSS’ application for a detention order, as the Federal High Court in Uyo, where the main case is being heard, is currently on recess. The suspects are expected to remain in custody until the Federal High Court resumes and can proceed with the case.

The alleged incident occurred on April 9, 2026, when an intelligence-led operation by the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (JTF-SS OPDS), resulted in the arrest of 26 crew members and the seizure of two motorised tankers, MT WESTAF and MT MKPODU.

The vessels were allegedly stopped while siphoning crude oil from a platform operated by a major oil company in Akwa Ibom waters.

Earlier, 17 of the suspects and the two vessels had been brought before the Federal High Court in Uyo and ordered to remain in custody at the Medium Security Correctional Centre, Uyo, pending the continuation of proceedings when the court resumes in September.

A security source said the ongoing intensified operations against crude oil theft across the Niger Delta are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to boost crude oil output and strengthen the country’s foreign exchange earnings.