Dutch Firm Accuses NUE Offshore of Armed Robbery, Petitions IGP
A Dutch defense, shipbuilding, and engineering group has formally complained to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, accusing NUE Offshore Resources Limited and its Managing Director, Uyi Igbinigie, of armed robbery against its vessel docked at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) jetty in Warri, Delta State.
According to the petition dated February 4, 2024, submitted to the IGP’s office on February 5, 2024, on behalf of Damen Charter International Ltd by its Solicitors, the incident allegedly occurred on February 2, 2024. The petition alleges that NUE consistently avoided payment despite demands after failing to pay monthly installments as part of a charter and hire-purchase agreement with Damen for the vessel MV NUE Swift.
The petition claims that despite efforts by Damen to repossess the vessel, NUE, and Mr. Uyi Igbinigie hid the vessel and frustrated repossession attempts. Following a legal battle and the vessel’s eventual repossession, the petition alleges that NUE and Igbinigie, accompanied by armed individuals in military attire, forcibly removed the vessel from the NIWA jetty on February 2, 2024.
The petition asserts that the armed men dislodged marine police officers guarding the vessel, assaulted civilian security personnel, and towed the vessel to a different location. Subsequent footage allegedly shows NUE personnel attempting to lift the vessel, covered to prevent identification, with a crane for removal.
The petition urges the IGP to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice, emphasizing the need to recover the stolen property.
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Efforts to reach Mr. Igbinigie for comment were unsuccessful, with calls and messages remaining unanswered.
Meanwhile, sources close to NUE Offshore Resources have reportedly disputed claims made by the Dutch company, alleging discrepancies in the vessel’s year of manufacture.
