The Nigerian Navy says the allegations against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, are untenable and baseless.
A section of the media had accused the Naval Chief of facilitating an unorganised bunkering of Nigerian crude and a multimillion-naira contract-splitting fraud.
Ogalla, according to the said report, allegedly released several oil tankers impounded for transporting stolen crude oil off Nigerian shores after receiving kickbacks in millions of dollars.
However, the Nigerian Navy, in a statement by the Director of Information, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, denied the allegations against Ogalla.
He said the arrested vessels mentioned in the report were involved in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering, noting that they have not been released as alleged.
“The allegations that the Chief of the Naval Staff accepted over $170 million in bribes as well as alleged involvement in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months are untenable, baseless and untrue,” he said.
“Firstly, there are clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention, and release of any vessel or persons found culpable in the maritime environment. It is not until these processes are duly concluded that such vessels are released to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further action.
“Indeed, all arrested vessels mentioned in the publication that were involved in crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering are being investigated and none of such vessels has been released as alleged.”
Ayo-Vaughan also said it was not within the power of the Chief of Naval Staff to award oil bunkering contracts, adding that only the NNPCL had such power.
“The CNS does not award or oversee oil bunkering contracts; the award of such is the sole prerogative of NNPCL.
“Also, all contracts awarded by the Navy follow due process in line with the laws of the Federation. The Nigerian Navy and her roles are an offshoot of the constitutional provisions and duly guided by extant laws and regulations of the land.
“The policing roles of the Navy empowered her to monitor the maritime domain of the Nation. These among others include the arrest of vessels that contravene any of the maritime laws and SPOMO Act 2019,” he added.
The Naval spokesperson accused some unarmed persons described as “disgruntled elements” who he said were “feeling the heat of the several operations by the Navy of making efforts to blackmail Ogalla”.
