A coalition of concerned Nigerians has submitted a petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising allegations of crude oil theft, contract splitting, procurement fraud, and corruption practices against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff.
In a petition signed by Human Rights Activists and lawyers, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, Comrade Mohammed Suleiman SK, Barrister Aisha Waliki, Esq and Comrade Ogunwoye Samson, the coalition called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of Ogalla.
The coalition, which submitted the petition to the President through the Office of the Minister of State for Defense, Hon. Bello Matawalle, expressed deep concern over the alarming allegations.
“At a time when the country is grappling with significant revenue losses due to crude oil theft, it is distressing to discover that the Chief of Naval Staff, whose primary responsibility is to safeguard Nigeria’s waterways against oil theft and other forms of criminality, is allegedly involved.”
The coalition outlined three primary areas forming the basis of their petition against Ogalla: Oil theft collusion, Contract splitting & Procurement fraud, and corrupt practices.
Regarding oil theft collusion, the coalition alleges that Naval officers under have not only participated in the theft of the nation’s crude oil but have also provided security to the criminals.
They cite specific incidents involving vessels engaged in crude oil theft, such as the MT PRAISEL vessel, where the Nigerian Navy allegedly allowed it to continue patrolling the Nigerian waterways under the protection of Navy.
The coalition claims to possess evidence, including an authenticated video, showing the Nigerian Navy escorting the MT PRAISEL vessel during the night.
The coalition also highlights incidents involving the MT KALI and MT Tura vessels, where military gunboats purportedly belonging to the Nigerian Navy were seen protecting vessels engaged in crude oil theft.
The coalition called upon President Tinubu to take decisive action to prevent further economic losses and ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations of corruption by the Chief of Naval Staff.
We’ll probe the allegations – FG
Responding, the Federal Government pledged to investigate the corrupt allegations against the Chief of Naval Staff.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made the vow in a statement issued by the Director of Information, Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Henshaw Ogubike, on Saturday.
Matawalle noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has zero tolerance for corruption in the public service.
The minister said: “Though these allegations might be mischievous, the Ministry of Defence is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“The allegations leveled against Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla are serious.”
He harped on thorough investigation, saying it was imperative to emphasise the need for a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth of the claims.
Speaking on the source of information, Matawalle said: “We respect the role of the media in fostering transparency and holding public figures accountable.
“At the same time, we urge responsible journalism that adheres to the principles of fairness, objectivity, and accuracy.
“Accusations of this nature can have far-reaching consequences on the reputation of individuals and institutions, and thus, it is crucial to avoid premature judgments.”
The minister further assured the public that in light of the allegations, the ministry would collaborate fully with relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
He added: “We remain committed to the principles of due process and fairness, ensuring that findings will be based on concrete evidence and legal standards.
“It is our collective responsibility to maintain the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the institutions that safeguard our nation’s security.
“We call for patience as the investigative process unfolds and trust that justice will be served in accordance with the rule of law.”
