Twenty-six seafarers who are being held in Nigeria on charges of oil theft must be freed now, says the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
This follows confirmation from BP that their ship’s load was authorised.
The very large crude carrier (VLCC) tanker Heroic Idun was authorised to load at Akpo oil field in the Niger Delta in late July, BP has said. The British oil giant was subcontracting the ship to take the load and has expressed its support for the crew.
“These seafarers have been subjected to lengthy detentions and unfair legal action, apparently because of a mix-up,” says ITF’s Dave Heindel.
“Some have been held in appalling conditions and interrogated without charge. They have been denied legal help. Their basic human rights have been infringed and that’s something the ITF will not stand for.”
This month, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Nigeria ordered the detention of all crew members for alleged involvement in oil theft. The seafarers face five charges under the various Nigerian statutes, including the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019. The crew initially faced three charges, but the court later amended this to five, including: dealing in export crude oil without a licence; entering a restricted zone; falsely reporting piracy; refusing lawful orders from maritime authorities; and violation of customs laws. The seafarers pleaded not guilty.
The charges have been laid despite the fact the tanker was never loaded with oil and was seized outside Nigeria’s legal jurisdiction, according to the ITF.
“Nigeria must recognise the complete lack of evidence in this case and free the crew immediately. Their arrest, continued detention, and possible lengthy legal battle is a complete miscarriage of justice.”
The ITF Fair Practices Committee Steering Group points out that regardless of charge, seafarers who are detained in a foreign port should be dealt with promptly, given due process of law, and with appropriate consular protection.
