It
was earlier reported that a vessel, MT MAXIMUS with 18 crew members and
carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil was hijacked on 11 February 2016 by a
group of suspected pirates off Cote d’Ivoire waters. Consequently, the
Nigerian Navy deployed for rescue operations.
The
vessel was eventually rescued on 19 February 2016 within Sao Tome
waters 320 nautical miles (nm) off the Nigerian coast. During the rescue
operation, 6 pirates were arrested, while one of them was killed. Some
items were recovered from the pirates including weapons and mobile
telephones.
However,
in the course of investigations, it was revealed that on 17 February
2016 at about 10pm, while the vessel was still hijacked, a GSM phone
number +2348170000979 called Inmarsat Satellite Phone number
+8821644414815 onboard MT MAXIMUS. On further analysis, it was
discovered that the GSM phone number belongs to one MR CHARLES
EKPEMEFUMOR aka Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba. It was also
revealed by the arrested pirates that Charles Parker is the mastermind
of the hijack attack on the MT MAXIMUS.
Additionally,
he was alleged to be responsible for the leasing of mother ship MT
DEJIKUN used for the hijack from one Mr Mustapha Kenny Gani through a
third party called Mr Steve Paul. In view of his involvement in the
pirate attack and hijacking of MT MAXIMUS, a letter of invitation was
sent to him on 15 April 2016 to enable him come for questioning on the
allegation. Several attempts have been made to ensure his compliance but
all efforts proved abortive.
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.
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.
CHRISTIAN ODOGWU EZEKOBE
Commodore
Director of Information
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