The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has transferred two oil-laden vessels, TUG MV STEPH I and Barge SIMI, detained in the Delta creeks, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Commodore Chindo Yahaya, the Commander of NNS Delta, conducted the handover to EFCC officials, led by Gomina Francis, an Assistant Commander II at the EFCC Benin Zonal Command. The vessels are now subject to detailed investigation and subsequent necessary actions by the anti-graft agency.
Briefing reporters, Yahaya who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Commander Samuel Musa, disclosed that the vessels were separately da arrested on Tuesday, July 6, 2023, at KFT Yard Edjeba and at Workson Jetty Edjeba, both along NPA Expressway in Warri South council area of the State.
TUG MV STEPH I, the navy stated, was held while “discharging product suspected to be AGO into some rubber tanks without necessary documentations and approvals.
Thus, the vessel was detained and taken to NNS DELTA. Accordingly, TUG MV STEPH 1 is hereby handed over to the EFCC for detailed investigation and further necessary action”.
While Barge SIMI, laden with about 120,000 litres of product suspected to be AGO, was arrested for being “without necessary documentations and approvals”.
According to the Navy, “preliminary investigation revealed that the product was an accumulation of remnants onboard (ROB) from various vessels”.
The Navy, while noting that the NNS-Delta remained poised to rid its area of illegal activities, declared that the arrests should serve as warnings to those that intend to conduct same business.
