by Akan Ido

Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, the former minister of interior was yesterday arrested over involvement in the hijack of a vessel allegedly carrying stolen petroleum products.

The director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi said the agency traced the path of the said petroleum products to the Integrated Oil and Gas tank farm.

Integrated Oil and Gas company is a major player in the petroleum industry owned by the former interior minister, Captain Iheanacho.

The agency disclosed to reporters that the premises of Integrated Oil and Gas has been sealed off pending further investigation.

The NIMASA DG who was represented by the executive director for Maritime Labour Services and Cabotage, Obi Nwabueze said, “You recalled we had cause to parade some pirates here and we did say that we were going to continue to look for those who were behind these pirates because we came to the realisation that behind the facade there are the kingpins and the big men who facilitate piracy.

“So in line with our promise to the Nigerian public, we intensified our search for the big men behind the scene  and we are happy to tell you today  that we have  been able to trace them to  a company, a major company,  Integrated Oil and Gas.

“The products that were stolen from the activities of piracy  were conveyed  and stored at integrated oil and gas. As we speak we have sealed off the company and we have arrested the top management of the company.”

And NIMASA draws the first blood in the course of accusations and denials expected to follow.