Crude Oil Theft: MT Heroic Idun Won't Be Released Until Fines Conditions Are Met, Says CNS Gambo

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo stated on Monday that the 26 crew members of the rogue tanker MT Heroic Idun, who were ordered to be released following a plea agreement by the court last week, would not be released until the fines were paid.

The vessel was detained nine months ago in Equatorial Guinea following an unsuccessful effort to remove crude oil without authorization from Nigerian seas, which led to the false alarm that pirates were chasing it.

However, the ship and its 26 crew members, some of whom were citizens of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Poland, were ordered to be released following a plea agreement amid intense pressure from the impacted nations for an out-of-court settlement.

But giving an update on the development, Vice Admiral Gambo said: “It is to be noted that the vessel and crew will not be released until the penalty and restitution are paid as well as public apologies made in the print and electronic media in Nigeria and Llyod’s list.

“The successful arraignment and conviction of Motor Tanker HEROIC IDUN and her crew arrested last August, sentenced after a plea bargain to pay N5 million as a penalty for the charge and $15 million as restitution to the country, is a resilient indication that the Nigerian Navy, as the nation’s maritime sentinel, will stop at nothing to ensure the domain is safer for sustainable development of the nation’s blue economy.”