David Adeboye, the Captain of MT KALI, the ocean-going vessel apprehended by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State, expressed disbelief at the manner crude oil was siphoned into the ship during the arrest last Thursday, January 12
At the vessel’s parade, held at Oporoza in Warri Southwest council area of Delta State on Sunday, he confirmed that 119 tonnes of stolen crude oil were loaded into the ship when the joint team of operatives raided the crime scene.
He claimed that they were directed by one Captain Niyi to lift Automated Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise known as (Diesel), not crude oil.
Adeboye said he was instructed to test run the vessel which had been anchored for over a year and had some maintenance carried out on her before the sail to Bayelsa State.
He said: “When we set out from Lagos State, the boat has been in Lagos for more than a year. They were doing some maintenance on it. So when we came out, we were instructed to test run the engine for like 10 miles. After 10 miles and we are satisfied that she can go as far as Bayelsa, then we should let them know”.
Adeboye stated that after successfully test-running the ship, he and the crew were directed to sail to Bayelsa State and return to Lagos State with AGO (Diesel), adding “That was the instruction given to us”.
