The Nigerian Navy (NN), has denied the involvement of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla in any fraud or shady deal.
According to navy spokesman, Rear Adm. Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, the allegation is a coordinated effort by disgruntled elements feeling the heat of the navy’s renewed vigour to fight crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain.
In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Ayo-Vaughan said the malicious publication would not deter the navy from continuing the battle to curb oil theft and give oil thieves sleepless nights.
He said only the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), not the navy, has the prerogative of awarding or overseeing oil bunkering contracts.
Ayo-Vaughan described as unfounded, baseless and malicious, the article published by an online medium alleging that the Naval Chief, was in trouble over multibillion naira oil bunkering and contract-splitting fraud.
He added that the allegations that the CNS accepted over 170 million Dollar bribe and was involved in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months were untenable, baseless and untrue.
According to him, there are clear procedural requirements in the arrest, detention and release of any vessel or persons found culpable in the maritime environment.
“It is until these processes are duly concluded that such vessels are released to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further actions.
“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.
“Secondly, the CNS does not award or oversee oil bunkering contracts; the award of such is the sole prerogative of NNPCL.
“Thirdly, all contracts awarded by the navy follow due process in line with the laws of the Federation,” he added.
