The Nigerian Navy has handed over a merchant vessel, MT Good Success, loaded with 1,940 metric tonnes of petrol to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It was arrested on suspicion that it was loaded with stolen petroleum product.
The arrested vessel is one of 39 impounded this year alone by the Navy around the country’s maritime domain for various offences.
The Nigerian Navy has handed over a merchant vessel, MT Good Success, loaded with 1,940 metric tonnes of petrol to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It was arrested on suspicion that it was loaded with stolen petroleum product.
The arrested vessel is one of 39 impounded this year alone by the Navy around the country’s maritime domain for various offences.
MT Good Success was arrested by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Andoni, in Lagos after it was allegedly discovered that the vessel contained 1,940 metric tonnes of petrol instead of the 350 metric tonnes of AGO it was licensed to load.
While handing over to the EFCC, Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Ovenseri Uwadiae, said the navy had established a prima facie case against the vessel, adding that, in line with extant provisions, the naval headquarters gave directives to handover the vessel to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.
"MT Good Success has clearance to carry 350 metric tonnes of AGO but upon arrest by NNS Andoni, it was discovered that instead of the AGO it was cleared to carry, the vessel had 1,940 metric tonnes of PMS.
"The conditions for clearance for AGO and PMS are not the same because of the subsidy regime in place for PMS and so the ship was impounded.
He added that the vessel and its content would be kept in the navy's custody as requested by the EFCC.
In response, EFCC's Counter Terrorism and General Investigation boss, Aminu Aliyu, said the agency would commence investigation.
When asked of the statistics and situation of previous cases handed over to the commission by the Navy, Aliyu said he does not have the details.
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