By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Bribery allegations against Naval Chief unfounded, says Navy.
The Nigerian Navy has staunchly refuted the allegations leveled against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, terming them as baseless and untenable. A report by Peoples’ Gazette had accused Ogalla of involvement in illicit bunkering and contract-splitting fraud. However, the Navy, through its Director of Information, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, dismissed the claims, asserting that the arrested vessels involved in crude oil theft have not been released. Ayo-Vaughan accused disgruntled elements of attempting to blackmail Ogalla, emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to combatting oil theft.
In a detailed statement, Ayo-Vaughan clarified that the allegations against Ogalla were not within the purview of his duties, highlighting procedural requirements in vessel arrests and releases. He stated, “The allegations that the Chief of the Naval Staff accepted over $170 million in bribes, as well as alleged involvement in multi-billion naira contract splitting fraud in the last six months are untenable, baseless, and untrue.”
Ayo-Vaughan emphasized that the Navy does not oversee oil bunkering contracts, which fall under the prerogative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL). He clarified that all contracts awarded by the Navy follow due process in line with the laws of the Federation.
The statement addressed the Navy’s commitment to combating oil theft, revealing coordinated efforts by disgruntled elements to blackmail Ogalla. Ayo-Vaughan assured Nigerians that the Navy’s resolve to confront criminals involved in oil theft remains steadfast, irrespective of attempts to discredit the Chief of Naval Staff.
Naval Chief
Bribery Allegations,
Illicit Bunkering