In a three count charge read against M.T Heroic Idun and sixteen others, the foreign Nationals had sometime in August, 2022 at Akpo Oilfield in Rivers State within the Nigeria Exclusive Economic Zone, conspired amongst themselves and committed Maritime offences.
According to the charges, the accused are alleged to have falsely pretended to be victims of maritime offences in order to invade lawful interception by Nigerian Navy Ship, Gongola and also attempted to deal with the Nigerian crude oil without lawful authority.
Today FM’s Uchendu Ejiowhor reports that the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Trial Judge, Justice Turaki Muhammed after listening to the application by the prosecution lawyers on the amended charges, ordered that the accused be remanded to enable the remaining ten suspects be brought to court to take their pleas.
Justice Muhammed before adjourning the matter till today, advised that the accused be allowed to see their lawyers and be given medical attention if the need arises.
In the meantime, the Captain of the Vessel, shortly after the court proceedings spoke to newsmen, insisting that they are innocent.
Today FM gathered that the suspects were arrested on the 7th of August 2022 by the Nigerian Navy.
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