Navy Arrests Shipping Agent Over Alleged Fraud, Clears Personnel of Wrongdoing

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, over allegations linked to a financial transaction involving a distressed vessel, while absolving its personnel of any misconduct.

The suspect has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The development followed a complaint routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alleging that a sum of N400,000 was paid to naval personnel to provide security for a Cameroonian-registered vessel, MV CHIMBA Express, operating within the Calabar Channel.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy said the allegation stemmed from an incident on December 22, 2025, when its personnel responded to a distress call involving a fire outbreak on the vessel.

Naval units, including Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, NNS OSE and the Forward Operating Base Ibaka, were said to have carried out a coordinated rescue operation that led to the successful evacuation of the crew and salvage of the vessel.

Following the incident, claims surfaced suggesting that naval personnel had collected payment for security services and later abandoned the vessel without refund.

However, the Navy said its internal investigation found no evidence to support the allegation.

“A comprehensive investigation established that naval personnel neither solicited nor received any payment, nor entered into any form of security arrangement with the vessel’s owners,” the statement said.

The probe instead pointed to the involvement of the suspect, identified as an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, who allegedly collected the money under false pretence, claiming it was meant for Navy personnel.

According to the Navy, the suspect misrepresented the situation to the vessel’s operators and diverted the funds for personal use.

The service reiterated its commitment to professionalism and accountability, stressing that it would not tolerate any attempt to exploit its operations or damage its reputation.

It added that decisive action would continue to be taken against individuals or groups found to be engaging in fraudulent activities under the guise of working with the Navy.

The suspect is now in police custody as investigations continue.