Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
The Nigerian Navy has declared an alleged pirate mastermind, Mr. Charles Ekpemefumor, wanted for the hijack of a vessel, MT. Maximus with 18 crew members in February this year.
The Director of Information (DINFO), Commodore Christian Ezekobe, in a statement on Thursday, said that investigation by the Navy linked Ekpemefumor who is also known and acknowledged as Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba
“It was earlier reported that a vessel, ‘MT Maximus’ with 18 crew members and carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil was hijacked on February 11, 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 February 19, 2016 within Sao Tome waters 320 nautical miles (nm) off the Nigerian coast. During the rescue operation, six pirates were arrested, while one of them was killed. Some items were recovered from the pirates including weapons and mobile telephones,” Ezekobe stated.
However, he said, in the course of investigations, it was revealed that one Ekpemefumor also known as Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba, was the mastermind of the hijack attack on the ‘MT Maximus’.
According to DINFO, the suspect 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, he said, a letter of invitation was sent to him on April 15, 2016 to enable him come for questioning on the allegation.
Ezekobe said several attempts were made to ensure his compliance but all efforts proved abortive.
