Navy arrests Indian, 17 others for bunkering
The Nigerian Navy (NN) said on Wednesday that it has arrested 18 male sailors, including one Indian, for allegedly attempting to illegally export stolen crude oil to Ghana. Capt. Adegoke Ebo, Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, said this while handing over the suspects and vessels to the police at the naval […]
The Nigerian Navy (NN) said on Wednesday that it has arrested 18 male sailors, including one Indian, for allegedly attempting to illegally export stolen crude oil to Ghana.
Capt. Adegoke Ebo, Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, said this while handing over the suspects and vessels to the police at the naval base in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the handing over was to enable the police to conduct further investigation on the incident and the suspects.
He said the sailors had planned to move stolen crude oil from Nigeria with two foreign vessels, MT Apecus and MT Invictus, believed to be owned by Petrogress Incorporated; with offices in Nigeria, Greece and the US.
He said that the suspects were on the verge of moving the crude oil to Ghana before they were arrested by the navy.
“Among those arrested is the Managing Director of Petrogress Incorporated, Nigeria, Mr. Osimili Adah.
“Adah stationed two vessels, MT Apecus and MT Invictus at Qua Iboe (Akwa Ibom) and in Bonny (Rivers) with intent to lift the petroleum product before the seizure.
“Our findings revealed that Adah has been actively involved in sourcing crude oil from Nigerian creeks and shipping it to Platon Gas Oil Refinery in Tema, Ghana, without clearance and approval.
“Additionally, evidence available to us suggests that the illicit crime had been going on for a while,” Ebo alleged.
The naval officer said the suspect later disclosed names of his accomplices and facilitators, as well as presented evidence and proof of the illicit trading.
Adah confessed to newsmen of his alleged involvement in the deal.
He said he was an agent to the two vessels, but that MT Apecus entered into Nigeria without his knowledge and consent. (NAN)