Following the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt on May 9, 2023 and in line with the agreed terms, that the super oil tanker, MT Heroic Idun and its owners are to pay fines to the Nigeria Government and make an apology to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in print and electronic media as well as Llyod’s list, the estranged owners have apologized to the Nigerian Navy and Federal Government of Nigeria and published same in Lloyds list.
The owners of MT Heroic Idun also sent the apology to Lloyds List as demanded by the federsl government in letters dated12th May 2023.
The apology letter titled, ‘An apology to the Nigerian Navy by Owners of Heroic Idun’ reads, “The owners, on behalf of their vessel and crew, wish to publicly apologise to the Federal Government of Nigeria for that report and express their sincere regret for the difficulties presented to the navy and any embarrassment that may have resulted from this incident.
“At no time did the owners wish to undermine the reputation of the Nigerian navy or the efforts undertaken by the Nigerian Navy in countering piracy and oil theft in Nigerian waters.
“Following issuance of the court order on May 9, 2023, the owners are pleased that this unfortunate incident has now been resolved and are grateful for the Nigerian authorities’ assistance in reaching this conclusion.
“We look forward to being able to repatriate our crew back to their families and to successful future trading activities within Nigeria.”
Recall that authorities of the Nigerian Navy had vowed that the release of MT Heroic Idun is subject to the fulfilment of all aforementioned conditions of the plea bargain to the satisfaction of the Federal High Court.
A statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Ayo Vaughan had discountenanced social media reports and stories of the release of the vessel, saying it was false, mischievous and misleading.
Commodore Ayo Vaughan assured Nigerians of the Nigeria Navy’s commitment in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and drawing strength from the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, the Service will sustain a posture of zero tolerance to crude oil theft and other criminal activities in Nigerian Maritime Environnent.
He said, “NN shall continue to work in synergy with other maritime stakeholders, navies of the Gulf of Guinea states and strategic partners of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from its natural resources in the maritime area.
“No form of campaign of calumny or malicious online publications will distract the Navy from her unwavering commitment to the dutiful fulfilment of her constitutional mandate.”
