Following issuance of the court order on May 9, 2023 in line with the agreed terms, that the MT HEROIC IDUN and its owners are to pay fines to the Nigeria Federal Government and make an apology to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in print and electronic media as well as Llyod’s list, the estranged owners have apologized to the Nigerian Navy and Federal Government of Nigeria.
SpyeTV News learnt that copies of the letters dated on 12th May 2023 were published in both international media and Nigeria media. It states:
"The owners, on behalf of their vessel and crew, wish to publicly apologise to the Federal Government of Nigeria for that report and express their sincere regret for the difficulties presented to the navy and any embarrassment that may have resulted from this incident. At no time did the owners wish to undermine the reputation of the Nigerian navy or the efforts undertaken by the Nigerian Navy in countering piracy and oil theft in Nigerian waters.
Following issuance of the court order on May 9, 2023, the owners are pleased that this unfortunate incident has now been resolved and are grateful for the Nigerian authorities' assistance in reaching this conclusion.
We look forward to being able to repatriate our crew back to their families and to successful future trading activities within Nigeria."
The Nigerian Navy had earlier informed the populace that the release of MT HEROIC IDUN is subject to the fulfilment of all aforementioned conditions of the plea bargain to the satisfaction of the Federal High Court.
The Navy also in a press statement signed by its Director of Information, Commodore Ayo Vaughan refuted some online reports and stories of the release of the vessel, saying its false, mischievous and misleading.
Commodore Ayo Vaughan assures Nigerians of Navy's commitment in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and drawing strength from the strategic directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo CFR, the Service will sustain a posture of zero tolerance to crude oil theft and other criminal activities in NME.
He said, Navy shall continue to work in synergy with other maritime stakeholders, navies of the Gulf of Guinea states and strategic partners of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefit from its natural resources in the maritime area.
"No form of campaign of calumny or malicious online publications will distract the Navy from her unwavering commitment to the dutiful fulfilment of her constitutional mandate." he affirmed.
Source: lloydslist