Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko addressing yhe Press

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to institute an independent investigation into serious allegations of professional misconduct against CSP Omar John Sini, Head of Investigation, Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Products Theft, over the alleged unlawful interception of the vessel MT. THOR, the arrest and prosecution of four maintenance personnel, prolonged detention, disregard of police directives and a reported attempt to dispose of the vessel despite pending court proceedings.

Briefing the Media on the matter on Friday , HURIWA national coordinator,Emmanuel Onwubiko said the call follows a formal petition dated October 26, 2026, submitted to the Inspector-General of Police by the law firm of P. O. Onucheyo and S. D. Omede, acting for MT. THOR. The petition raises concerns about the circumstances surrounding the interception of the vessel at Koko, Warri, Delta State, on December 15, 2025, and requests an impartial investigation into the conduct of CSP Sini and other officers who may have been involved.
HURIWA considers the allegations sufficiently serious to warrant urgent institutional attention, particularly because they touch on the authority of the courts, the integrity of criminal investigations, the treatment of persons accused of offences and the preservation of property involved in pending litigation.
The association stresses that the allegations in the petition are yet to be independently established and must be investigated fairly. However, neither the seriousness of the accusations against the police officer nor the questions raised about the treatment of the four maintenance workers should be ignored.
ALLEGED INTERCEPTION OF VESSEL UNDER JUDICIAL CUSTODY
According to the petition, MT. THOR was being towed under Marine Police escort to a safe location at the Marine Police Jetty in Warri on December 15, 2025. The lawyers maintained that the vessel was then under the custody of the Admiralty Marshal of the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial Division, and that the movement was intended to preserve the vessel and protect it from possible damage.
The petition alleged that CSP Sini and officers associated with the Special Prosecution Team, operating from Artillery, Port Harcourt, intervened and caused the vessel to be intercepted and arrested despite the Marine Police escort and its reported judicial custody.
HURIWA believes the circumstances demand a clear explanation from the police hierarchy. The Inspector-General should establish the intelligence available to the officers, the specific criminal evidence relied upon to justify the intervention, the status of the vessel’s judicial custody and whether applicable court orders or judicial authorisation were required and obtained.
The petition itself acknowledges that judicial custody does not automatically prevent lawful criminal investigation. The issue, therefore, is whether the particular interception was carried out within the law and in accordance with any applicable judicial directives.
HURIWA insists that police powers must be exercised transparently and within established legal limits, particularly when an operation involves property already subject to court proceedings.
FOUR MAINTENANCE WORKERS ARRESTED AND PROSECUTED
The petition identified four persons arrested following the interception of MT. THOR and subsequently charged over alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products and crude oil theft. They are Ebor Eric Kessiena, John Atawo Lawrence, Godwin Okpaje and Mukaila Sarumi.
Their lawyers maintained that the four men had been engaged by the vessel’s owner or authorised representatives to pump accumulated water from the engine room to prevent the vessel from flooding or sinking. They disputed the allegation that the workers were involved in crude oil theft or illegal petroleum trading.
The petition further questioned the chronology of the investigation, alleging that an analysis attributed to CSP Sini was dated December 12, 2025, three days before the interception and arrests on December 15.
The lawyers described this sequence as deeply questionable and asked the Inspector-General to examine the circumstances in which the analysis was conducted, the material upon which it was based and whether the findings were used to justify arrests before the relevant facts had been properly established.
HURIWA considers this a critical aspect of the petition that deserves forensic and documentary scrutiny. Investigative findings must be supported by credible evidence, and any material capable of supporting the defence of an accused person must receive proper consideration in accordance with the law.
The association therefore urges the police authorities to establish the precise duties performed by the four men, examine the evidence against each individual and determine whether their reported dewatering assignment was properly investigated before criminal allegations were pursued.
SIX MONTHS OF DETENTION RAISES HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS
The petition alleged that the four maintenance personnel were deprived of their liberty for more than six months at the Okere Correctional Centre in Warri, Delta State, in connection with the proceedings.
The lawyers requested a comprehensive verification of the dates of arrest, arraignment, remand, bail and release, alongside the legal basis for every period of detention.
HURIWA considers the allegation grave because prolonged detention without adequate legal justification raises fundamental questions about personal liberty, due process and the protection of human rights.
The association emphasises that the presumption of innocence must remain meaningful throughout criminal proceedings. Persons accused of offences are entitled to fair treatment, while investigating authorities have a responsibility to ensure that detention and prosecution are supported by lawful grounds.
HURIWA calls for a thorough review of the detention records and court proceedings to establish whether the rights of the four men were respected and whether any unlawful conduct occurred.
Where evidence establishes violations of fundamental rights, appropriate remedies and accountability should follow.
DID CSP SINI DISREGARD FORCE INTELLIGENCE DIRECTIVES?
Another major allegation in the petition concerns correspondence reportedly issued by the Force Intelligence Department (FID) requesting the transfer or coordination of the investigation involving MT. THOR.
The lawyers alleged that CSP Sini disregarded the request and continued with the prosecution.
HURIWA is calling on the Inspector-General to obtain and examine the original correspondence, establish its legal and command status, and determine whether any lawful directive from superior police authorities was ignored.
The association maintains that the Nigeria Police Force must operate within a coherent chain of command. Where disagreements arise over investigative jurisdiction, case management or operational instructions, such disputes should be resolved through established procedures rather than through actions that could undermine institutional accountability.
The investigation should establish the facts, including whether the FID communication constituted a binding directive and whether any subsequent instruction altered the position.
ALLEGED PLAN TO AUCTION OR DISPOSE OF MT. THOR
HURIWA is particularly concerned by the petition’s allegation that steps may be underway to auction, sell or otherwise dispose of MT. THOR while litigation involving the vessel remains pending.
The lawyers specifically referenced Suit No. FHC/W/CS/65/2024, between EBENCO GLOBAL LINK LTD. and the vessel MT. THOR and others, as one of the proceedings in which the matter remains before the court.
The petition further alleged that associates of CSP Sini might benefit from a proposed disposal, although the lawyers expressly stated that this allegation had not been established as fact.
HURIWA calls for an urgent investigation into whether any valuation, auction instruction, advertisement, proposed sale, prospective purchaser or financial interest exists in relation to the vessel. The police authorities should also establish whether any disposal has been authorised by a competent court or other lawful authority.
The association demands that the vessel be preserved and that no police-facilitated sale or disposal be allowed to contravene any subsisting court order. The status quo should be maintained to the extent required by applicable judicial directives while the substantive proceedings remain unresolved.
HURIWA warns that any substantiated attempt to use police authority to influence the outcome of a commercial dispute or facilitate an unauthorised transfer of disputed property would raise serious accountability concerns.
However, the association insists that these allegations must be investigated on the strength of documentary evidence, not speculation or assumption.
ALLEGED DISCIPLINARY QUERIES AND INVOCATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY CONNECTIONS
The petition also raised questions about disciplinary queries reportedly issued to CSP Sini, which the lawyers alleged had remained unanswered for more than six months.
It further alleged that the officer had invoked an association with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in a manner that purportedly suggested exemption from ordinary police supervision.
The lawyers requested verification of the alleged queries, CSP Sini’s current deployment and reporting line, and whether any lawful instruction had been disregarded.
Importantly, the petition stated that it was not alleging that the Office of the National Security Adviser authorised or condoned any wrongdoing.
The lawyers also referred to an order reportedly issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Daylop Pam, directing the arrest and production of CSP Sini in connection with alleged violations of the fundamental rights of the four vessel personnel.
HURIWA calls on the Inspector-General to obtain the relevant court records, verify the terms and current status of the order and establish whether it was complied with or remains outstanding.
The association stresses that no police officer should be beyond lawful supervision or accountability. Equally, allegations concerning disciplinary proceedings, command directives and judicial orders must be verified against the relevant records before conclusions are reached.
HURIWA’S DEMANDS TO THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE
In view of the issues raised in the petition, HURIWA calls on the Inspector-General of Police to:
Constitute an independent panel to investigate the interception of MT. THOR on December 15, 2025, including the towing operation, Marine Police escort and reported custody of the Admiralty Marshal.
Obtain certified copies of the relevant court orders, Marine Police records and operational documents to determine whether the interception complied with applicable laws and judicial directives.
Review the arrests, evidence, detention and prosecution of Ebor Eric Kessiena, John Atawo Lawrence, Godwin Okpaje and Mukaila Sarumi, including their reported maintenance duties and any potentially exculpatory evidence.
Subject the analysis dated December 12, 2025, attributed to CSP Sini, to appropriate scrutiny to establish its origin, methodology, evidential basis and relationship to the subsequent arrests.
Obtain and review the Force Intelligence Department’s correspondence and determine whether any lawful directive concerning the investigation was disregarded.
Immediately establish whether any auction, sale or disposal of MT. THOR has been proposed or initiated, preserve the vessel in accordance with applicable court orders and investigate any substantiated conflict of interest.
Verify the reported disciplinary queries, clarify CSP Sini’s command and reporting responsibilities and establish whether any judicial or police directives remain uncomplied with.
Consider, in accordance with established procedures, temporarily removing CSP Sini from involvement in the MT. THOR matter pending the outcome of an impartial investigation.
Refer any substantiated misconduct to the appropriate disciplinary or prosecuting authorities and facilitate lawful remedies for any proven violation of fundamental rights.
Acknowledge the petition in writing and communicate the outcome of the investigation to the petitioners to the extent permitted by law and legitimate confidentiality requirements.
CONCLUSION: POLICE AUTHORITY MUST BE SUBJECT TO THE LAW
HURIWA reiterates that the fight against petroleum theft and other economic crimes must be conducted through credible investigations, admissible evidence and strict adherence to due process.
The allegations surrounding MT. THOR raise questions that cannot responsibly be dismissed without examination. A vessel reportedly in judicial custody was being moved under Marine Police escort when it was intercepted. Four persons said to have been engaged in preserving the vessel were subsequently arrested and prosecuted. The petition also raises concerns about prolonged detention, the handling of investigative evidence, internal police correspondence and a possible attempt to dispose of the vessel while litigation remains pending.
These claims require an impartial investigation that protects the integrity of the police, the authority of the courts and the fundamental rights of all affected persons.
HURIWA is not asking the Inspector-General to prejudge CSP Sini or any other officer. It is asking the police leadership to establish the facts, determine whether the relevant laws and directives were followed and ensure that any wrongdoing proved by the evidence attracts appropriate consequences.
The Nigeria Police Force must demonstrate that no officer is permitted to exercise investigative authority without accountability and that neither institutional connections nor the complexity of a criminal investigation can justify departure from the law.
HURIWA therefore urges the Inspector-General to treat the petition as a matter requiring urgent, independent and evidence-based attention in the interest of justice, institutional integrity and public confidence in law enforcement.

By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Mina

Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals in Niger State, Hajiya Halima Omolara Ibrahim, has told the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Judicial Commission of Inquiry how she was beaten and humiliated by the operatives of the Mining Marshal under the leadership of SC Jibrin Mohammed.

She told the Commission that while on her official function to one of the Mining sites in Kwakuti in Paikoro local government area, the operatives of the Mining Marshal,invaded the site and effected the arrest of the artisanal miners on the site along with herself.

“ Even identifying myself with my official identity card,they kept deaf ears and they refused to listen to me,” she said.

The assistant director who was testifying before the commission as a witness, revealed that on the 17th, of April 2026 in the course of her duty in mining sites in Kwakuti,men of the Mining Marshal after she was subjected to all manners of tortures she was bundled in their van taken to their headquarters she was detained from six p.m. till eleven pm before her released.

According to Hajiya Halima Ibrahim, due to the beating she received from the operatives she sustained some bruises on her face and tore her clothes before she bundled into their van and took her to their headquarters.

“ I was beaten,molested,humiliated strangulated and beaten to a state of pulp and dragged on the ground before they bundled me into their waiting van and took me to their headquarters in Minna where I was detained from six to eleven pm” she told

She stated that her function as assistant director in the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral and head of artisanal miners in Niger State, included registration of artisanal miners,supervising the operational activities of the artisanal miners,and enforcing their activities.

The assistant director disclosed that as part of her official function in the State a total of four hundred artisanal miners have been registered by her office to carry out their mining activities along with license miners in the state.

Testifying further,the assistant director stated that the enforcement unit of the ministry in the state,has established a good working relationship with the Mining Marshal to partner in ensuring the enforcement of the activities of illegal miners in the state.

“ To my greatest surprise,the operatives of the Mining Marshal will carry out their operations to the mining site on their own without involving my office.

“ I will just receive a phone call informing me that the mining marshall is on a mining site harassing the miners. Some of these miners are licensed to carry out their mining. Yet,they still go about harassing them on the site” she said.

Testifying on the death of the 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the NSCDC, Hajiya Halima Ibrahim,told the Commission that she was not aware of the incident, “ but the death of the 37 suspected miners was made public due to the magnitude.

She explained that her office is not aware of the enforcement that led to the death of the 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the NSCDC between 16th to the 17th of September 2026.

“ Men of the NSCDC have the records of alleged killing miners on mining sites without anybody knowing. They have killed miners in Korokpa area,they have killed in Kwakuti, they have killed in Garafini area of Borgu local government.

“ All these alleged killings went unreported. The death of the 37 suspected illegal miners in their custody became public,because it happened in their office,and there is no way they can cover it up” she further told the commission.

Alleging that,the operatives of the mining Marshal,apart from their alleged killings,they extort money ranging from six to seven million naira and their mined golds

Hajiya Halima Omolara Ibrahim tendered some documents as evidences to buttress her claims before the Commission which were all admitted by the Commission.

By Tony Okorie,Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Investigator, Mr Christopher Odofin, has told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that he was not aware of a dispute between the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, over the site of a contract awarded to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited at the Katsina airport.

Odofin, the 12th prosecution witness, PW12, in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, and three others, who stated this on Wednesday while being cross-examined by counsel for Al Buraq, Michael Numa, SAN, said there was no land allocated for the expansion of an apron at the airport.

Sirika is being prosecuted by the EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government, before Justice Sylvanus Oriji, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, alongside his daughter, Fatima and son-in-law, Hamman Jalal Sule, and a company purportedly owned by the couple, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, on a six-count charge bordering on abuse of office and contract fraud to the tune of N2.8 billion.

The former minister was alleged to have abused his office as a minister to confer unfair advantage on Al Buraq Global Investment Limited by using his position to influence award of contract for the apron extension for the sum of N1,498,300,750, among other alleged offences.

According to the EFCC, the alleged offences were contrary to the provisions of Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and Section 17(b) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, as well as Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Acts of the FCT and punishable under the same sections.

However, Sirika and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them by the EFCC.

At the resumed trial in the case, the PW12 confirmed to the court that investigations into the alleged offence were thoroughly conducted, adding that relevant documents were gathered and formed part of the proof of evidence in the trial.

“To the best of my ability, the investigation was thorough. Also, to the best of my ability, all relevant documents were gathered. All materials submitted to me are in the proof of evidence,” Odofin told the court.

Asked if he interviewed officials of Katsina State Ministry of Lands in the course of the investigation, the witness answered in the negative, insisting that there was no land for the execution of the project.

He, however, told the court that he would be surprised that the Katsina Ministry of Lands provided land for the execution of the contract and communicated the same to EFCC.

The witness further told the court that no NAF personnel and FAAN personnel were interviewed while EFCC was investigating the alleged offence, adding that he did not know if the land in question was also being used by the NAF.

According to him, “We never interviewed personnel of Katsina State Ministry of Lands. We also did not interview personnel of the Air Force and FAAN.

“I do not know if the land is being used by the Air Force. I am not aware that the Air Force sent a document on that to EFCC.”

Asked if he knows there is a dispute between NAF and FAAN which prevented Al Buraq from mobilising to site, Odofin told the court he did not know.

He added that he was not aware that the dispute had been resolved and that the contract was re-awarded to Al Buraq and the company had been directed to move to site to execute the project.

“I am not aware of a dispute between Air Force and FAAN over the land. I also do not know that the dispute prevented Al Buraq from moving to site. Also, I don’t know if the contract was re-awarded to Al Buraq and the company was asked to move to site,” the PW told the court.

While he alleged that the former minister influenced the award of the contract, the PW12 informed the court that the then Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr Abel Enitan; Director of Procurement of the ministry, Musa Odiniya; and Azubuike Okorie, who testified as first prosecution witness, PW1, were interviewed in the course of investigation, though there was no video recording of the taking of their statements.

Despite being shown documents before the court, the witness insisted that the contracts for terminal building and expansion of the apron at the Katsina airport were one, but confirmed that the Bureau for Public Procurement gave approval for the contracts.

He then informed the court that the Ministry of Aviation had no affiliations with both the second and third defendants in the case, Fatima Hadi Sirika and Hamman Jalal Sule.

He further told the court that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the couple respectively worked for, did not have any authority over the Aviation Ministry.

He confirmed to the court that though Al Buraq had other shareholders and directors, apart from the second and third defendants, none of them was being prosecuted in court.

Justice Oriji later adjourned the case to November 18 for continuation of the cross-examination of PW12.