A United States based shipping firm, NUJENIX Corporation, has filed an expanded petition to the Inspector General of Police, accusing personnel of the Nigerian Army of aiding the illegal seizure, prolonged detention and destruction of its oil tanker, MT Thor. The company also alleged that its owner has been subjected to serious threats to his life.
Through its legal representatives, S.D. Omede and P.O. Onucheyo, NUJENIX accused several individuals and companies of working together to unlawfully take over the vessel. Those named include John George Igor, Leonard Kwentua, Okoye Okezie Jude, Oluwagbemiga Ebenezer, Ampliar Resources Limited and Ebenco Global Link Limited. The allegations include criminal conspiracy, stealing, vandalism and illegal conversion of the tanker.
The company stated that it is acting on behalf of its owner and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eial Golan Yachiel, an Israeli American citizen based in the United States.
According to the petition, MT Thor, which is registered in Florida, was leased to Sub Sea 9 Ocean Services Limited under a bareboat charter agreement dated January 1, 2021. The agreement allegedly required payments of $912,500 dollars every six months, but NUJENIX claimed the operator defaulted and paid only $25,000 dollars.
NUJENIX further alleged that after taking control of the vessel, John George Igor became unreachable and issued violent threats against the company’s owner, warning that he would be kidnapped, killed or die under suspicious circumstances if he entered Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, company lawyer P.O. Onucheyo alleged that soldiers attached to one of the main suspects interfered with police investigations. He claimed that military personnel intimidated investigators, unlawfully took custody of the vessel and detained individuals linked to the case.
According to him, what began as a contractual disagreement quickly escalated into a matter involving force, threats and unlawful detention. He alleged that police officers attempting to make arrests were blocked by armed personnel.
The lawyer further claimed that soldiers were deployed to guard the tanker at Koko in Warri, Delta State, where the vessel was allegedly concealed and dismantled. He said the tanker has been stripped of critical components and severely damaged.
He also alleged that court orders were ignored and that individuals were detained despite lawful processes, with armed men providing backing.
In the petition, NUJENIX claimed the vessel has now lost its seaworthiness due to extensive damage and theft of navigational and bunker equipment. Photographs comparing the condition of MT Thor at the time of delivery in January 2021 and its current state were reportedly attached to the petition.
The company urged the Inspector General of Police to urgently intervene, citing threats to life and the involvement of armed personnel. It stressed that immediate action was necessary to protect its client and ensure justice.
The petition further alleged that police investigators had earlier located the vessel in Koko, Delta State, and began towing what remained of it to a secure location. However, the operation was reportedly disrupted by a Nigerian Army gunboat allegedly led by Lieutenant Colonel Mustsoha Garba, which seized the vessel from marine police officers who were carrying out their lawful duties.
NUJENIX claimed the military action was instigated by one of the suspects, Oluwagbemiga Ebenezer, who reportedly claimed ownership of the jetty where the vessel was docked.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army and the individuals named in the petition had not issued any public response to the allegations.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
