An indigenous firm, Soljas Limited, has dragged the Ministry of Defence before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt to challenge the destruction of its vessel, MV Cecelia, over alleged crude oil theft.
In the suit marked FHC/PH/CS/157/2023, the firm is demanding $4 million, being the cost of the vessel, in addition to N10 billion damages.
Listed as defendants in the suit are the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Ministry of Defence, and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Also joined as defendants were the marine component commander of the Military Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Eugenunio Ferriara, Commodore Adedoku Siyanbade and the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, Commodore Desmond Igbo.
The firm is alleging illegal seizure and destruction of its vessel without due process followed.
The plaintiff had approached the court following the arrest of the vessel on 16 August 2023, and its consequent destruction on 23 August.
When the matter was mentioned in court on Wednesday, the lead counsel for the plaintiff, Chief Ifedipe Adedipe (SAN), told the court that the Ministry of Defence and the AGF had been served the court papers but had yet to file any defence.
The SAN said he had received preliminary objection filed by the 3rd, 4th and 6th defendants (Rear Admiral Eugenunio Ferriara; Commodore Adedoku Siyanbade and Chief of Defence Staff).
The 1st, 2nd and 5th defendants, through their lawyer, David Okechukwu, in a joint statement of defence, denied the allegation.
Counsel for the 3rd, 4th and 6th defendants, B.J Chiedozie, said he was just served with the plaintiff’s motion in court and prayed for an adjournment.
The trial judge, Justice Sada’atu Mark, urged parties to file and exchange necessary processes while he adjourned till 29 November for hearing.
