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Tag: Illegal oil bunkering

  • Nigerian Navy Boosts Legal Capacity to Tackle Maritime Crime

    Nigerian Navy Boosts Legal Capacity to Tackle Maritime Crime

    The Nigerian Navy has launched a renewed drive to strengthen its legal capacity in response to rising concerns over failed maritime prosecutions, procedural lapses, and the growing complexity of enforcing the law across Nigeria’s waters.

    Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, Chief of Administration of the Navy, announced the initiative at the opening of the Navy’s inaugural Legal Training Seminar in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Mamman described legal weaknesses as a critical national security gap, allowing maritime offenders to exploit loopholes and evade justice. He said the three-day seminar, themed “Strategic Enforcement of Maritime and Labour Law for Enhanced Naval Operations and Justice Delivery in Nigeria,” is aimed at addressing systemic shortcomings in handling maritime crimes, including piracy, illegal oil bunkering, smuggling, and unlawful vessel operations.

    “The challenges in prosecuting maritime-related offences are no longer abstract—they affect operations, morale, and national security. Too many cases collapse due to technicalities and avoidable errors. This must stop,” Mamman said.

    He identified four major problem areas: weak prosecution due to poor documentation, mishandled evidence, and gaps in inter-agency coordination; procedural inconsistencies in Standing Courts Martial; labour and personnel-related disputes; and issues in civil–military relations and rules of engagement, which intersect with human rights and international law.

    Mamman emphasized that the seminar will equip naval legal officers with enhanced skills in maritime law enforcement, vessel detention procedures, prosecution of maritime and military offences, and compliance with national and international legal frameworks. He noted that hosting the seminar at a Nigerian Army facility underscores the growing tri-service approach to operational justice.

    He also commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for championing legal reforms and supporting initiatives to strengthen legal professionalism.

    Representing the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Director Legal of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Usman Muhammed, praised the Navy for its commitment to upholding the rule of law. He described the seminar as a testament to the Navy’s dedication to professionalism and its resolve to operate within legal frameworks.

    “The Nigerian Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding our nation’s interests. It is imperative that operations are guided by a thorough understanding of laws governing both land and sea,” Muhammed said, urging participants to leverage the seminar to enhance their expertise and share knowledge with colleagues.

    The event also featured paper presentations by prominent legal professionals from the military, judiciary, and academia, providing a platform to tackle legal challenges and reinforce the Navy’s operational effectiveness.

  • Gov. Diri Warns Against Using Women, Children at Illegal Refineries  

    Gov. Diri Warns Against Using Women, Children at Illegal Refineries  

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has raised alarms over a disturbing practice where women and children are reportedly being used as shields at illegal oil refining camps. 

    This troubling discovery was made during security operations in areas like Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass, and Nembe.  

    Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers and local government chairmen in Yenagoa, the governor urged community leaders to create awareness about the environmental and health risks of such activities. 

    He also called on them to identify and report illegal refining sites within their regions for effective action.  

    The governor stressed the need for collective efforts to address this growing issue, emphasizing the role of traditional institutions in safeguarding their communities.

  • Illegal Bunkering: Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Suspected Proceeds of Crime

    Illegal Bunkering: Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Suspected Proceeds of Crime

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an Order of Interim Forfeiture for properties suspected to be linked to unlawful activities, including illegal bunkering.

     The order, under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1488/2024, was granted on November 29, 2024, by Hon. Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha.

    According to the Nigeria Police Force, the properties, which include several vehicles and equipment, were allegedly used in facilitating criminal activities. 

    Among the forfeited items are multiple Toyota Camry vehicles, a Man Diesel truck, and other assets recovered from locations across Nigeria. 

    Details of the forfeited properties, including their registration numbers and recovery locations, were published as part of the court directive.

    The interim forfeiture was requested by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Taskforce on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering.

     The task force is investigating claims that the assets are proceeds of unlawful activities or were used in the commission of such crimes.

    The court order allows any individual or entity with a vested interest in the properties to appear in court to prove why the forfeiture should not be made permanent. 

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    Interested parties have been advised to present their claims before the court within the stipulated period. 

    Failure to do so will result in the permanent transfer of the properties to the Federal Government.

    This development is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies to clamp down on illegal oil activities and ensure accountability for crimes against the nation’s economy.

    The Nigeria Police Force has urged the public to report suspicious activities and promised transparency in the process.

    The Force Headquarters reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and emphasized that all actions are taken in accordance with court orders and due process.