NIMASA arrests ex-minister, Iheanacho

The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, on Friday, sealed the tank farm belonging to Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd., Lagos and arrested the chairman of the company, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.

Iheanacho was a former Minister of Interior.

The arrest, our correspondent learnt, was made based on allegation of malpractices by the firm.

The officials of NIMASA and armed security personnel working for Global West Vessel Specialist Ltd., it was learnt, s
ealed the tank farm for alleged involvement in petroleum product theft.

According to NIMASA, the firm received stolen petroleum products from the vessel, MT Grace.

GWVSL, our correspondent learnt, is owned by the erstwhile leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (also known as Tompolo), which is executing a security contract for the Federal Government.

Iheanacho, who spoke to our correspondent on Friday night, confirmed his arrest, but said, “I don’t know why they arrested me.

“Some police and army officers working for Tompolo came here and sealed my tank farm. They also arrested me later and took me to the NIMASA office. I was there for a while.”

When asked if he was still in detention, he said, “At least you are talking to me. I picked the call. So, I can’t be under arrest.”

When contacted on the telephone on Friday night, the Head, Corporate Affairs, NIMASA, Hajia Lami Tumaka, told our correspondent that she could not comment on the issue.

Culled from Punchng