The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, demanding an independent investigation into the alleged seizure of oil vessel MT. THOR and the reported six-month detention of four maintenance workers in Delta State.
The association called for a probe of CSP Omar John Sini, Head of Investigation, Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Products Theft, over allegations of abuse of police authority, questionable arrests, disregard of internal directives and possible moves to dispose of the vessel despite pending litigation.
In a statement by its national Coordinator, Comradw Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the petition, dated October 26, 2026, was submitted to the IGP by lawyers P. O. Onucheyo and S. D. Omede on behalf of MT. THOR.
According to the petition, the vessel was intercepted on December 15, 2025, while being towed under Marine Police escort to a safe location in Warri, Delta State. The lawyers claimed it was then under the custody of the Admiralty Marshal of the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial Division.
They alleged that officers attached to the Special Prosecution Team intercepted the vessel despite its reported judicial custody.
Four workers — Ebor Eric Kessiena, John Atawo Lawrence, Godwin Okpaje and Mukaila Sarumi — were subsequently arrested and charged over alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products and crude oil theft.
However, their lawyers maintained that the men were engaged to pump accumulated water from the vessel’s engine room to prevent flooding and possible sinking.
HURIWA urged the IGP to investigate their specific duties and the evidence used to justify their arrest and prosecution. It also questioned an analysis allegedly attributed to CSP Sini and dated December 12, three days before the arrests.
The petition further alleged that the workers spent more than six months at the Okere Correctional Centre in Warri. HURIWA called for a review of their arrest, remand, bail and release records to establish whether their detention complied with the law.
The association also asked the IGP to investigate claims that CSP Sini disregarded correspondence from the Force Intelligence Department concerning the handling of the case.
Another concern was an alleged move to auction or dispose of MT. THOR while litigation involving the vessel remained pending. The petition referenced Suit No. FHC/W/CS/65/2024, involving EBENCO GLOBAL LINK LTD. and the vessel.
It also alleged that associates of the police officer might benefit from a proposed disposal, a claim HURIWA said must be independently verified.
The rights group urged the police to establish whether any sale or auction process had commenced and ensure the vessel was preserved in line with applicable court orders.
HURIWA also called for verification of reported disciplinary queries against CSP Sini and a court order reportedly issued by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt directing his arrest and production over alleged violations of the workers’ fundamental rights.
The association asked the IGP to constitute an independent panel, consider temporarily removing the officer from the investigation pending the outcome of the probe and refer any established misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
HURIWA stressed that the allegations had not been independently established and that its demand was not intended to prejudge the officer.
It maintained that the fight against petroleum theft must not override due process, respect for court orders and the fundamental rights of accused persons.
