In compliance with a court ruling, the Nigerian Navy has handed back a merchant tanker vessel, MV TIS IV, and a Barge Podium, which were impounded for their involvement in oil theft, to their respective owners over the weekend.
Following the court conviction of the crew and the subsequent decision to forfeit the stolen crude to the federal government while returning the vessels to their owners, the Naval facility Forward Operating Base (FOB) Formoso in Brass, Bayelsa, witnessed the return of these impounded vessels.
The MV TIS IV had been detained for two years, while the Barge Podium had been held for six years, both on allegations of engaging in crude oil theft. The release of these vessels was conducted in accordance with a directive from the Naval Headquarters, adhering to the court’s judgment.
The handover took place at a brief ceremony at FOB Egwema, Brass, and was conducted by Commander Dantani Bukar, the Executive Officer of FOB, on behalf of Navy Captain Murtala Rogo, the Commanding Officer, who was represented.
Commander Rogo recounted the circumstances leading to the vessels’ detention. MV TIS IV was apprehended on December 5, 2021, within the Akassa River creek in Bayelsa, while the Barge Podium was seized on May 15, 2017, in the Alaki area of Rivers State.
The MV TIS IV, carrying 17 crew members and approximately 700,000 liters of suspected stolen crude, was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.
The crew members were found guilty and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The court further ruled that the vessel’s content be forfeited to the federal government, a process executed by the EFCC on February 23, 2023.
Commander Rogo explained that the court also ordered the vessels’ release to their owners on bond. FOB Formoso, acting on the directives of the Naval Headquarters, facilitated the handover to the owners in the presence of EFCC representatives.
He emphasized FOB Formoso’s commitment to upholding the strategic goals set by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, in the battle against oil theft and illegal bunkering within the maritime domain.
He reiterated the Nigerian Navy’s dedication to ensuring a secure and safe maritime environment, conducive to legitimate business operations and aligned with national security objectives.
