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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has asked the Inspector-General of Police to investigate CSP Omar John Sini, Head of Investigation, Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Products Theft, over the alleged arrest and six-month detention of four maintenance workers.
In an October 30 statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group said it was acting on an October 26 petition by the law firm of P. O. Onucheyo and S. D. Omede, counsel to the vessel MT. Thor. It stressed that the allegations have not been independently established and “must be investigated fairly.”
HURIWA urged the IGP to constitute an independent panel to examine the interception of the vessel, the arrests and prosecution of the workers, and the conduct of the officer. It also asked that Sini be considered for temporary removal from the case pending the outcome, “in accordance with established procedures.” The workers, Ebor Eric Kessiena, John Atawo Lawrence, Godwin Okpaje and Mukaila Sarumi, were arrested after the vessel was intercepted at Koko, Delta State, on December 15, 2025.
They were charged over alleged illegal dealings in petroleum products and crude oil theft. Their lawyers say the men were hired to pump water out of the engine room to stop the vessel from sinking, and deny any involvement in crude oil theft. They allege the men spent more than six months at the Okere Correctional Centre, Warri.
The petition alleges that the vessel was in the custody of the Admiralty Marshal of the Federal High Court, Warri, and was being towed under Marine Police escort when it was stopped.
It acknowledges that judicial custody does not automatically bar lawful criminal investigation. HURIWA said the question is whether the interception complied with the law and applicable court directives.
The lawyers also allege that: an analysis attributed to Sini was dated December 12, 2025, three days before the arrests, a sequence they called “deeply questionable.”
Sini ignored a request from the Force Intelligence Department to transfer or coordinate the investigation;
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disciplinary queries issued to him have gone unanswered for over six months; and steps may be under way to auction or dispose of the vessel while Suit No. FHC/W/CS/65/2024 is pending.
They said an allegation that Sini’s associates might benefit has not been established as fact.
The petition says Sini invoked an association with the Office of the National Security Adviser in a way that suggested exemption from police supervision. It states it is not alleging that the ONSA authorised or condoned any wrongdoing.
The lawyers further cited an order reportedly issued by Justice Daylop Pam of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, directing Sini’s arrest and production over alleged violations of the workers’ fundamental rights. HURIWA asked the IGP to verify its terms and whether it has been complied with.
The group also asked the IGP to preserve the vessel, obtain certified court and Marine Police records, refer any substantiated misconduct to the appropriate authorities, and acknowledge the petition in writing.
HURIWA said it was not asking the IGP to prejudge Sini or any other officer, but to establish the facts.
“The fight against petroleum theft and other economic crimes must be conducted through credible investigations, admissible evidence and strict adherence to due process,” it said.
CSP Sini and the Nigeria Police Force had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing.
