"US Firm Appeals to Nigeria's IGP: Act Now to Ensure Justice for Seized Vessel"

Table of Contents

1. Petition to the Inspector-General of Police
2. Allegations Against Military Personnel
3. Details of the Vessel MT Thor
4. Legal Actions and Interventions
5. Current Condition of MT Thor
6. Urgent Request for Intervention

NUJENIX Corporation, a shipping company based in the United States, has submitted a petition to the Nigerian Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, regarding certain members of the Nigerian Army.

The company's petition alleges that military personnel were involved in the illegal seizure, detention, and vandalism of its motor tanker, MT Thor.

Signed by the company’s attorneys, S.D. Omede, Esq., and P.O. Onucheyo, Esq., the petition lists several individuals and firms for the IGP to investigate, accusing them of criminal conspiracy, theft, vandalism, and the unlawful conversion of the vessel.

NUJENIX Corporation stated that it is acting on behalf of its owner and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eial Golan Yachiel, an Israeli-American citizen residing in the United States.

According to the petition, MT Thor, which is owned by NUJENIX Corporation and registered in Florida, was leased to Sub-Sea 9 Ocean Services Ltd under a bareboat charter agreement dated January 1, 2021, and was allegedly operated by John George Igor. Under this agreement, Igor was to make payments of $912,500 every six months but allegedly defaulted.

“He failed to comply and only paid $25,000.00,” the petition noted.

The company claimed that after taking possession of the vessel, Igor vanished, ceased communication, and issued serious threats.

In a briefing with journalists in Abuja, company lawyer Barrister Peter Onucheyo alleged that Nigerian Army personnel supporting one of the main suspects were used to intimidate and unlawfully obstruct police investigations, took custody of the vessel, and detained individuals associated with it.

Onucheyo emphasized that the situation had escalated beyond a civil dispute. “This is no longer just a business matter. This involves threats, detention, and coercion,” he stated.

He further alleged that after legal proceedings were initiated, armed personnel intervened. “When the police attempted to make an arrest, they were obstructed,” he said.

Additionally, he claimed that soldiers were assigned to guard the vessel at Koko, Warri, Delta State, where it was reportedly concealed and dismantled.

“They took the vessel and concealed it there. It is no longer in the same condition; it has been severely damaged,” he added.

In its petition, NUJENIX Corporation also claimed that the vessel has been stripped of essential components and rendered inoperable.

“Currently, the vessel is damaged beyond repair and is no longer seaworthy due to the criminal activities of the suspects,” the petition asserted, mentioning that navigational and bunker equipment were reportedly stolen.

Photographs depicting the condition of MT Thor at the time of its delivery in January 2021, alongside its current state, were attached to the petition, according to the lawyers.

Given the alleged involvement of armed personnel and threats to life, the firm called for immediate intervention by the IGP.

“We respectfully urge the Inspector-General of Police to utilize your esteemed office to intervene so that justice may prevail,” the petition expressed, emphasizing that the matter demands swift action “to protect the life and property of our client.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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