MT Kali, MT Harbor Spirit Face Federal Government Sanctions
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the forfeiture of an illegal crude oil vessel, MT Kali, and its content to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The ship was arrested while siphoning crude oil from Pennington Oil field of the Anglo-Dutch energy giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Bayelsa State.
Investigations into the arrest of MT Kali, were on-going when operatives of private security firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), arrested another illegal bunkering ship MT HARBOR SPIRIT on February 4th.
The Moldovian vessel was caught stealing crude oil from Sengana oilfields in the coastal axis of Bayelsa State.
The police, in Charge NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/18/2024 B/W: INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE V. MT KALI & 22 ORS, had arraigned the vessel and its 22 crew members before the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the motion for the interim forfeiture of MT Kali & her content to the Federal Government.
However, the arraignment of the suspects was stalled as they were not produced in court by the office of the Chief of Defence Staff.
All efforts by the prosecuting counsel to convince the court to issue a production warrant to be served on the military authorities for the production of the defendants on 18th March, 2024 being the next adjournment date proved abortive.
MT Kali was arrested by the operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in conjunction with the special security task force set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on January 11th, 2024.
The case is being prosecuted by TSSNL Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, and a team raised by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.
Egbetokun directed the Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) under the command of Mr. Lot Lantoh Garba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to launch a discreet investigation into the arrest of the bunkering.
MT Harbor Spirit and members of her crew are to be arraigned in court on Friday, March 1st, 2024.
About The Author
