By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin Can Island Port Command has disclosed that it halted the discharge of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from a vessel, MT NY Maria, after discovering that the ship had commenced operations without obtaining the requisite Customs clearance and while still under official Customs seal.

The command said the enforcement action was carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, stressing that the vessel was found discharging petroleum products at the MRS Terminal, also known as Dantata Jetty, Tin Can Island Port, without completing mandatory Customs procedures.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, the service explained that officers of the Boarding and Rummaging Unit initially boarded the vessel on May 23, shortly after its arrival from the Dangote Refinery, to conduct routine documentation and compliance checks.

According to the statement, customs officers discovered that the vessel did not possess complete documentation, particularly the mandatory Last Port Clearance required from its port of origin.

“In line with established procedures, officers granted the vessel’s agent a two-day period to provide the outstanding document while the vessel was lawfully sealed and placed under Customs control pending compliance,” the statement said.

The command noted that despite the directive, intelligence reports later revealed that the vessel had commenced discharge operations on May 27 without securing Customs clearance and while still under official seal.

“Officers who mobilised to the terminal encountered resistance from security personnel stationed at the facility before eventually gaining access to the premises,” the statement added.

Customs said the ship master was immediately directed to stop the discharge operation and report to the Enforcement Unit to provide official statements regarding the incident.

“The vessel was subsequently resealed in accordance with extant procedures,” the Command stated.

The service also dismissed reports suggesting that the ship master was arrested, clarifying that he was only invited to make statements as part of an ongoing investigation.

“The ship master was not arrested as alleged in some quarters. He was invited to provide official statements in connection with the ongoing investigation into the incident,” the statement explained.

Providing the legal basis for its actions, the Command said Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 empower Customs officers to conduct inspections, verify documentation, examine cargoes and enforce compliance within Customs Control Zones.

“The discharge of PMS by MT NY Maria without requisite clearance and while under Customs seal constituted a direct violation of Sections 46 to 58 of the Act relating to reporting obligations, goods declaration, presentation of goods, unloading procedures, and release of goods under Customs control,” the statement said.

The command further stressed that the Act grants Customs officers powers to board, inspect, detain and enforce compliance measures on vessels and cargoes operating within Customs-controlled areas.

Reaffirming its commitment to regulatory enforcement, the Service said it would continue to safeguard the nation’s economic interests through strict compliance monitoring at the country’s ports.

“The service will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security interests,” the statement concluded.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The sum of N17.1 million domiciled in Access Bank, believed to be proceeds of a romance scam allegedly by one Mr Ifeanyi Alele David has been forfeited to the federal government.

Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, ordered the final forfeiture of the fund on Monday, June 1, 2026, after no interested person or entity could explain why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The order followed a motion on notice filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Ms C.C.Okezie.

The court had, on February 26, 2026, granted an interim forfeiture order of the fund and directed the commission to publish the order in a national newspaper.

While moving the application for the final forfeiture, Ms Okezie informed the court that the agency complied with the publication order by publishing the interim forfeiture notice in The Punch newspaper on April 10, 2026.

The legal practitioner also stated that no individual or entity came forward within the stipulated period to contest the forfeiture, further stating that the application was supported by an affidavit deposed to by an EFCC operative, Samson Aguma, who detailed the findings of the Commission’s investigation.

According to the affidavit, the EFCC received a petition from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mr David, who is under investigation, was involved in a romance scam scheme connected to the tragic death of a United States of America citizen.

According to him, on September 15, 2021, a romance fraud victim committed suicide in a hotel room in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Following the discovery of her body, law enforcement officers recovered her mobile device and observed multiple messages from an individual identified as Garry Micheal through the Google Hangouts application.

Investigations further revealed that the suspect repeatedly solicited funds from the victim under various false pretences, including requests for money to secure his release from prison and facilitate his return to the United States.

The affidavit disclosed that on the day the victim took her own life, the suspect allegedly demanded an additional sum of $60,000 from her, despite her expressing severe financial distress and indicating that she had exhausted her resources.

Further investigations by the FBI allegedly established that the victim sent approximately $154,500 between August 30 and September 13, 2021, through various channels connected to the fraudulent scheme.

Aguma stated that forensic analysis traced email accounts, internet protocol (IP) addresses, telephone records, and an Apple iCloud account linked to the romance fraud activities to David in Nigeria.

He further disclosed that the sum of N17,100,595.40 found in Mr David’s Access Bank account was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and formed part of the funds derived from the fraudulent scheme.

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Nigerian Navy has successfully eradicated piracy and drastically brought down crude oil theft.

The President spoke on Monday while launching the Nigerian Navy International Fleet Review (IFR) at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Victoria Island, Lagos, commending the maritime force for its role in securing the nation’s territorial waters.

The historic event serves as the flagship activity marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary (Platinum Jubilee celebrations), honouring the service’s establishment on June 1, 1956.

Addressing naval personnel, foreign dignitaries, and military chiefs, President Tinubu praised the modern operational capabilities of the force, noting that it directly protected coastal communities.

“Through effective integration of surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and operations, you have successfully eradicated piracy in our waters and significantly curtailed crude oil theft and associated maritime crime.

“These achievements have enhanced the security of communities and contributed to increasing, thereby supporting national economic growth. I am confident that the Nigerian Navy will continue to secure the maritime environment as a thriving engine of our blue economy,” the President said.

The event featured the commissioning of three naval vessels, NNS Mambila, NNS Gurara, and NNS Oloibiri, alongside a presidential trooping and presentation of new colours.

Looking beyond immediate maritime duties, the President also drew attention to the navy’s involvement in internal security operations across the country, particularly highlighting the actions of its elite forces.

“Beyond the maritime domain, I also commend the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to counter-terrorism and insurgency.

“The courage and professionalism demonstrated by the Special Boat Services in executing complex missions are truly commendable,” he stated.

Charging the leadership to keep up the momentum, Tinubu requested that the navy maintain its strict standards to meet future security obligations.

“I charge the officers of the Nigerian Navy to sustain this high standard of professionalism and continually deepen your operational capability and effectiveness to safeguard our waters.”

Reflecting on the milestone 70-year journey of the service, the President said the Nigerian Navy has become a strong force in Africa.

“The Nigerian Navy has evolved in tandem with our nation’s sovereignty, growing from a fledgling service into a modern, sophisticated naval power and an anchor of stability for Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

“The Nigerian Navy has reached a pinnacle of continental leadership. Congratulations to the Nigerian Navy for emerging as the most formidable naval force in Africa,” he stated.