A U.S–based shipping company, NUJENIX Corporation, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over the alleged unlawful seizure, detention and vandalism of its motor tanker, MT Thor.
In a petition dated October 21, 2025, the company accused several individuals and companies of criminal conspiracy, stealing, illegal conversion and threats to life, while also alleging the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel.
The petition, submitted by S.D. Omede and P.O. Onucheyo of P.O Onucheyo & Co law firm, named John George Igor, Leonard Kwentua, Okoye Okezie Jude, Oluwagbemiga Ebenezer, Ampliar Resources Ltd and Ebenco Global Link Ltd as parties allegedly involved in the matter.
NUJENIX Corporation said it is acting on behalf of its owner and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eial Golan Yachiel, an Israeli-American citizen resident in the United States.
According to the petition, MT Thor, registered in Florida, was handed over to Sub-Sea 9 Ocean Services Ltd under a bareboat charter agreement dated January 1, 2021, allegedly operated by John George Igor. Under the agreement, Igor was expected to pay $912,500 every six months, but allegedly defaulted, only paying the sum of $25,000.00.
The company alleged that after taking possession of the vessel, Igor disappeared, stopped responding to calls and issued threats against the life of the vessel’s owner.
“He has threatened that our client will be kidnapped and killed or die mysteriously if he steps his foot on the shores of Nigeria,” the lawyers wrote.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the company’s lawyers said the matter had gone beyond a civil dispute, alleging that armed personnel were used to intimidate parties and obstruct police investigations.
“This is not about business again. This is about threats, detention and force,” Onucheyo said.
They further alleged that attempts by the police to effect arrests were disrupted.
“When the police went to effect the arrest, they were stopped there,” they said.
According to the lawyers, the vessel was traced to Koko, Warri, Delta State, where it was allegedly hidden and dismantled under military protection.
“They went and hid the vessel there, and they have been vandalizing it. They butchered it,” Onucheyo alleged.
“When you see how it is now, it’s not as tacky as it used to be. It’s actually destroyed.”
The petition further alleged that when Marine Police officers located the vessel and began towing it to a secure location, they were intercepted by a Nigerian Army gunboat allegedly led by Lt. Col. Mustsoha Garba, which took custody of the vessel.
NUJENIX Corporation claimed that the tanker has been stripped of critical navigational and bunker equipment and rendered unusable.
“Right now, the vessel is damaged beyond repair and is no more seaworthy due to the criminal activities of the suspects,” the petition stated.
Photographs attached to the petition reportedly show the condition of MT Thor at the time it was delivered in January 2021 and its current state.
Citing alleged threats to life, unlawful detention and the involvement of armed personnel, the company urged urgent intervention by the IGP.
“We humbly urge and request that the Inspector-General of Police use your good office and intervene so that justice will be served,” the petition read.
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