The Nigerian Navy has declared wanted, one Charles Ekpemefumor, wanted in connection with the alleged hijack of an oil gas vessel, MT MAXIMUS.
The vessel with 18 crew members and carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil was hijacked in February 11, 2016 by a group of suspected pirates off Cote d’Ivoire waters, but was eventually rescued eight days later within Sao Tome waters 320 nautical miles (nm) off the Nigerian coast.
During the rescue operation, six pirates were arrested, one of them was killed, while some items including weapons and mobile telephones were recovered from the pirates.
However, in the course of investigations, it was revealed that one Charles Ekpemefumor aka Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba is the mastermind of the hijack attack on the MT MAXIMUS.
He was alleged to be responsible for the leasing of mother ship MT DEJIKUN used for the hijack from one Mustapha Kenny Gani through a third party called Steve Paul.
A statement by Commodore Christian Odogwu Ezekobe, Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, said that a letter of invitation was sent to Ekpemefumor on 15 April 2016 to enable him come for questioning on the allegation, but said that and several other attempts have yielded no result.
“Accordingly, Mr Charles Ekpemefumor Alias Charles Parker is hereby declared wanted by the Naval Headquarters in other to unravel the circumstances of the hijack of MT MAXIMUS. Therefore, any person who sights him should report immediately to any naval formation, military or security agencies for prompt action,” the statement said.
“In view of the need to fight against maritime crimes and safeguard waterways, you are please requested to disseminate this information for the awareness of all.
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