The Nigerian Navy has declared one Charles Ekpemefumor, also known as Charles Parker, wanted for alleged hijack of MT MAXIMUS off Cote d’Ivoire waters on Feb. 11, 2016.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Navy Information, Commodore Christian Ezekobe.
It said investigation so far conducted by Navy operatives had identified Charles Parker as the mastermind of the hijack of the vessel.
It said the notice became necessary following Parker’s refusal to honour an invitation sent by the Navy authorities to clarify circumstances surrounding the hijack.
According to the statement, the vessel, MT MAXIMUS, with 18 crew members and carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil, was hijacked on Feb. 11, 2016 by a group of suspected pirates off Cote d’Ivoire waters.
Its said the vessel was eventually rescued on Feb. 19, 2016 within Sao Tome waters, 320 nautical miles (nm) off the Nigerian coast and six pirates were arrested, while one of them was killed.
“In the course of investigations, it was revealed that one Mr Charles Ekpemefumor also known as Charles Parker, is the mastermind of the hijack attack on the MT MAXIMUS.
“He was alleged to be responsible for the leasing of mother ship MT DEJIKUN used for the hijack from one Mr Mustapha Kenny Gani through a third party called Mr Steve Paul.
“A letter of invitation was sent to him on April 15, 2016 to enable him come for questioning on the allegation but several attempts to ensure his compliance proved abortive.
“Accordingly, Mr Charles Ekpemefumor Alias Charles Parker, is hereby declared wanted by the Naval Headquarters in other to unravel the circumstances of the hijack of MT MAXIMUS.’’
Ezekobe appealed to Nigerians with useful information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect to report immediately to any naval formation, military or security agencies for prompt action.
