By Peregba Jerry
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has handed over two oil-laden vessels arrested along the creeks of Delta to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Chindo Yahaya, handed over the vessels, TUG MV STEPH I and Barge SIMI, to officials of the anti-graft agency led by Gomina Francis, an Assistant Commander II, EFCC Benin Zonal Command for detailed investigation and further necessary action.
Briefing reporters, Yahaya who was represented by the Base Operations Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Commander Samuel Musa, disclosed that the vessels were separately 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.
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