The Nigerian Navy has arrested a suspected fraudulent shipping agent, Nsikak Sunday Ekpo, over allegations of impersonation and financial misconduct in Calabar, Cross River State.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Captain A.A. Folorunsho, who confirmed that Ekpo was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.
According to the Navy, the arrest followed a directive from Naval Headquarters after a complaint was received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The complaint alleged that ₦400,000 was paid to Navy personnel to provide security for Motor Vessel CHIMBA Express, a Cameroonian-registered vessel operating within the Calabar Channel.
The incident was linked to December 22, 2025, when personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY, NNS OSE, and Forward Operating Base (FOB) IBAKA responded to a distress call involving a fire outbreak onboard the vessel.
“The swift and coordinated response of the Nigerian Navy led to the successful rescue of the vessel and its crew,” Folorunsho said.
Navy Clears Personnel, Commits To Integrity
Following the rescue, claims surfaced suggesting that naval personnel had received payment for security services and later abandoned the vessel without a refund.
However, the Navy dismissed the allegations. “A comprehensive investigation by the Nigerian Navy established that its personnel neither solicited nor received any payment, nor entered into any form of security arrangement with the vessel’s owners,” the statement read.
Further findings revealed that Ekpo, identified as an agent with PINAPAT Shipping Agency in Calabar, allegedly collected the ₦400,000 under false pretences, claiming the funds were meant for Navy personnel.
“The Nigerian Navy reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity and accountability, and will continue to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to tarnish its image or exploit its operations for personal gain,” Folorunsho added.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
