NNPC intercepts offshore vessel owned by Nigerian businessman Henry Coker with stolen crude oil
Following the receipt of credible intelligence, a private security contractor engaged by NNPC Ltd., Messrs. Tantita Security Services, intercepted a suspicious vessel with a cargo of crude oil on board on July 7, 2023.
The Vessel, MT TURA II (IMO number: 6620462), owned by a Nigerian registered company, HOLAB MARITIME SERVICES LIMITED with Registration Number RC813311, was heading to Cameroon with the cargo on board when it was apprehended at an offshore location (Latitude: 5.8197194477543235°, Longitude: 4.789002723991871°), with the captain and crew members on board.
The company is owned by Nigerian businessman Henry Coker and other members of his family, according to CAC filings.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the crude oil cargo onboard was illegally sourced from a well jacket offshore Ondo State, Nigeria. There was no valid documentation for the vessel or the crude oil cargo onboard at the time of the arrest.
Further investigation into the activities of the vessel at the NNPC Ltd. command and control centre also revealed that the vessel has been operating in stealth mode for the last twelve (12) years. The last reported location of the vessel was Tin Can Port in July 2011.
Details of this arrest and the outcomes of the investigations were escalated to the appropriate government authorities, upon which it was concluded to destroy the Vessel to serve as a strong warning and deterrent to all those participating in such illegal activities to cease and desist.
Destroying vessels involved in transporting stolen crude oil is of paramount importance as a strong deterrent. The illegal trade of stolen crude oil not only inflicts significant economic losses on Nigeria and legitimate stakeholders in the oil industry but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption, environmental devastation, and social instability.
NNPC Ltd. assures Nigerians that we will sustain the momentum in the war against crude oil theft until it is brought to a halt.
Garba Deen Muhammad
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja
10.07.23
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Ibadan
Babangida pleads guilty to terrorism charges
Mr Babangida, who had been remanded for over three years, pleaded guilty to the three-count amended charge.
Africa
ITUC-Africa urges world leaders to prioritise peace, development over wars
ITUC-Africa urged world leaders to prioritise peace, dialogue and human development over wars and militarisation.
Showbiz
Sexual predator Russell Brand sentenced to decade in prison
Russell Brand, 51, has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison after being convicted of four sexual offences.
Lagos
Lagos 2027: Hamzat demonstrated experience, preparedness at governorship debate
APC hailed its governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, for demonstrating experience, preparedness and policy depth at a Lagos governorship debate on Sunday.
Economy
Tinubu govt suspends broadcast licence fee reviews indefinitelyÂ
On the digital switch-over, Mr Idris promised a stakeholders’ meeting to address any outstanding issues.
Politics
Delta Nollywood pledges to mobilise for Tinubu, Oborevwori
Mr Otoide said the group was determined to sustain its momentum and contribute to the political mobilisation for Mr Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
