FG begins prosecution of rogue vessel’s crew as Navy insists moves to evade justice won’t work

FEDERAL Government and the Nigerian Navy have commenced prosecution of suspected criminal vessel, MT Heroic Idun, and its crew handed over by the government of Equatorial Guinea.

Addressing newsmen on the development, Chief of Policy and Plans ( Navy Headquarters), Rear Admiral Seidu Garba, noted that the “mischievous” act by MT Heroic Idun was aimed at tarnishing the good image of the maritime domain in Nigeria, which the Navy has worked hard to achieve and sustain.

He urged the public to “disregard rumours, mischievous and fictitious articles being circulated by enemies of the state, in a bid to cause chaos and discredit efforts of the Nigerian Navy and indeed Nigeria.”

He added: “The smear campaign put up by the ship in the media space, in a fierce attempt to rubbish the transfer process by falsely gaining international support/ sympathy, is bound to fail. It is, perhaps, an indication that the vessel has a case to answer.”