The Nigerian Navy has refuted allegations of bunkering and contract splitting, deeming them baseless and part of a blackmail campaign.
Meanwhile, Chief of Navy Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, is confronted with accusations of bribery, oil theft, and fraud.
The Navy contends that procedural requirements are followed in handling maritime offenses, emphasizing the allegations’ lack of merit. The situation raises questions about the integrity of naval leadership amid a backdrop of heightened tensions and ethnic considerations.
According to THE WHISTLER, Sources within the Presidency have disclosed that if found guilty, Ogalla could face a dishonorable discharge, imprisonment, and the forfeiture of all official benefits.
The accusations against Ogalla include offering the protection of the Nigerian Navy to oil thieves and impeding justice since his appointment in June 19, 2023. The Ministry of Defence has responded by initiating a “comprehensive investigation” into the matter, emphasizing the gravity of the allegations.
A source in the presidency, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Ogalla’s alleged actions violate the Code of Conduct Act and the Public Service Act, which strictly prohibit public officers from accepting gratification. The source stressed the need for concrete evidence and the identification of individuals involved in oil bunkering, a crime that, if proven, could lead to severe consequences.
The potential fallout for Ogalla, if found guilty, includes the loss of rank, court-martial proceedings, imprisonment, and the revocation of official status and benefits. The source highlighted the current tensions surrounding service chiefs, citing ethnic and political considerations, and hinted at underlying issues within the Navy, including strained relations with a contracting company involved in oil security.
In response to the allegations, the Navy spokesperson, Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, stated that a formal statement would be released soon. The Navy, in an official statement, dismissed the accusations as “untenable, baseless, and untrue.” It refuted claims of bribery, release of impounded oil tankers, and involvement in contract-splitting fraud, asserting that due process is followed in handling maritime offenses.
The Navy attributed the allegations to disgruntled elements and emphasized its commitment to combating crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain. It pledged to continue operations to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests and called on the public to disregard what it termed “malicious claims.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, vowed to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability within the Nigerian Armed Forces during the investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s future hangs in the balance, with the potential for far-reaching consequences if the allegations are substantiated.
