US firm alleges Nigerian Army complicity in seizure, vandalism of MT Thor tanker vessel

A United States-based shipping company, NUJENIX Corporation, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), alleging that personnel of the Nigerian Army were complicit in the unlawful seizure, detention, and vandalism of its motor tanker, MT Thor, while enabling threats to the life of its owner.

The petition, submitted through the firm’s lawyers S.D. Omede, Esq., and P.O. Onucheyo, Esq., names several individuals and companies, including John George Igor, Leonard Kwentua, Okoye Okezie Jude, Oluwagbemiga Ebenezer, Ampliar Resources Ltd, and Ebenco Global Link Ltd, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, theft, vandalism, and illegal conversion of the vessel.

NUJENIX Corporation acts on behalf of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eial Golan Yachiel, an Israeli-American citizen.

The vessel, registered in Florida, was handed over under a bareboat charter agreement to Sub-Sea 9 Ocean Services Ltd on January 1, 2021, with Igor as the operator.

The petition alleges Igor defaulted on the $912,500 semiannual payment, paying only $25,000, and subsequently threatened the owner’s life.

During a briefing in Abuja, lawyer Peter Onucheyo accused Nigerian Army personnel of supporting one of the prime suspects to intimidate parties involved and unlawfully disrupt police investigations.

He alleged that soldiers were deployed to guard the tanker in Koko, Warri, Delta State, where it was reportedly hidden, dismantled, and vandalized.

“Right now, the vessel is damaged beyond repair and is no longer seaworthy due to the criminal activities of the suspects,” the petition stated. Photographs comparing the vessel’s condition in January 2021 to its current state were attached to the filing.

The petitioners urged the IGP to intervene urgently to protect life and property and ensure justice.

Investigations by the Nigerian Police reportedly located the vessel and commenced towing it to a secure location.

However, the operation was allegedly blocked by a Nigerian Army gunboat led by Lt. Col. Mustsoha Garba, with the vessel hijacked from police custody. NUJENIX claims this action was orchestrated by one of the suspects, Ebenezer Oluwagbemiga, who purportedly claims ownership of the jetty where the vessel was moored.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Nigerian Army nor the individuals named in the petition had publicly responded to the allegations.

Very Nigerian.

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