Yenagoa — The Nigerian Navy at the weekend handed over 25 suspected oil thieves and two vessels to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State.
The ceremony took place at the Navy Forward Operating Base, Formoso in Egwema, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
One of the vessels, MV HANAN had nine crew members on board, all Nigerians, while MV ALEZZA LILAH had 16-member crew comprising 14 Nigerians, one Ghanaian and one Cameroonian.
The handing over statements were signed by Commanding Officer, FOB FORMOSO, Captain Noel Madugu for the Navy and Assistant Commandant, NSCDC, Anyanwu George, for Bayelsa State command of the corps.
Captain Madugu, while briefing journalists said the MV HANAN was intercepted by NNS Obula at 23 nautical miles, South-West of Pennington. He said the vessel with her crew of nine persons was arrested owing to the presence of Automotive Gas Oil on board.
Madugu gave the names of the suspected oil thieves as Bewaji O.O, Obamuwagin A, Ayenamelo Sunday, Joseph Omope, John Ezen, Emmanuel Bassey, Uwem Francis, Kingsley Ayobi and Fred Amabebe.
According to him, the vessel had six tanks fully loaded with AGO but had no bunkering approval on board at the time of arrest.
"The crew claimed that the approval, other documents and valuables were taken from the vessel by sea pirates when they were attacked. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the vessel was operating on behalf of Danyomile Marine Services Limited of Suite 1, LSDPC Shopping Complex, Agege, Lagos State. The document claims MV HANAN was granted approval to load 70 metric tonnes of AGO from Petrostar Nigeria Limited storage tank in Port Harcourt vide NHQ111744. However, when questioned, the captain of the vessel, Bewaji Olayinka, said he loaded about 100 metric tonnes of AGO on board", he said.
Madugu said the suspects and the vessels were handed over to the NSCDC in compliance with the directive of the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command for further investigation.
SOURCE; DAILY TRUST
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