The Nigerian Navy has arrested and transferred a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, to the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest followed a directive from Naval Headquarters after a complaint lodged through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleged that ₦400,000 had been paid to naval personnel to provide security for Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express, a Cameroonian-registered vessel operating in the Calabar Channel.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the allegation stemmed from an incident on 22 December 2025, when personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY, NNS OSE and Forward Operating Base IBAKA responded to a distress call involving a fire outbreak aboard the vessel.
The navy said its swift and coordinated response ensured the successful rescue of both the vessel and its crew, but noted that claims later emerged alleging that naval personnel had received payment for security services and subsequently abandoned the vessel without refund.
However, a comprehensive internal investigation found no evidence that any naval personnel solicited or received payment, or entered into any form of security arrangement with the vessel’s owners.
Instead, the probe revealed that Ekpo, identified as an agent with Pinapat Shipping Agency in Calabar, allegedly collected the funds under false pretences, claiming the money was intended for naval officers involved in the rescue operation.
The navy reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability, stressing that it would continue to take firm action against individuals seeking to exploit its operations or damage its reputation.
The suspect has since been handed over to the police for further action.