“You recalled we had cause to parade some pirates here and we did say that we were going to continue to look for those who were behind these pirates because we came to the realisation that behind the facade there are the kingpins and the big men who facilitate piracy.
“So in line with our promise to the Nigerian public, we intensified our search for the big men behind the scene and we are happy to tell you today that we have been able to trace them to a company, a major company - Integrated oil and gas."
Those were the words of the DG of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, while confirming that Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, a former Minister of Interior in the government of President Goodluck Jonathan and owner of Integrated Oil and Gas Limited has been arrested.
He was picked up over his involvement in the hijack of a vessel 'M.T. Grace’ laden with suspected stolen petroleum products.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, DG of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was represented by Barr. Obi Nwabueze, confirmed that the premises of Integrated Oil has been sealed off pending investigation.
“The products that were stolen through the activities of piracy were conveyed and stored at Integrated oil and gas. As we speak we have sealed off the company and we have arrested the top management of the company,” the NIMASA boss said.
