Container Theft And Criminal Conversion: NAGAFF Writes AIG Maritime, Demands Immediate Arrest, Prosecution Of Ekko Premier Container and Allied Services, Others

Container Theft And Criminal Conversion: NAGAFF Writes AIG Maritime, Demands Immediate Arrest, Prosecution Of Ekko Premier Container and Allied Services, Others

Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a dramatic turn of events in Lagos’ maritime sector,The National Association of Government Approved Freight forwarders NAGAFF, has filed a formal petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Maritime Police Headquarters, alleging criminal activities by Ekko Premier Container and Allied Services, Okota. The case revolves around three containers—FFAU 2082021, CAIU7022981, and MSDU 7666283—which were reportedly allocated to Elevate Moore Ventures through the Nigerian Customs Service auction process.

The complaint reveals that despite multiple investigations and clear directives by both the Maritime Police Headquarters and the Nigerian Customs Service for the release of the containers, Ekko Premier Container management has defied these orders. Elevate Moore Ventures accuses the terminal of blatant disregard for protocol, suggesting that the containers might have been tampered with—claims hinting at potential theft and fraud.

Sources close to the matter disclosed that one of the containers could have been loaded with cement blocks while another might have been emptied, further heightening suspicions. These findings emerged after the containers were allegedly moved in violation of established delivery order protocols.

The statement which was signed by Dr Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator,NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team,also points to what it describes as “nefarious intents” on the part of the terminal management, who have reportedly evaded summons from both the Maritime Police and the Nigerian Customs Service. NAGAFF Compliance Team therefore, calls for the immediate criminal prosecution of Ekko Premier Container and Allied Services, highlighting the gravity of these actions on the nation’s maritime security.

As investigations deepen, stakeholders are urged to monitor this high-stakes confrontation closely. Public trust in maritime operations hangs in the balance as the authorities pursue justice in what may be one of the most significant theft and conversion cases in the industry.
Full text of the letter read:
The Assistant Inspector – General,
Maritime Police Headquarters,
Force Headquarters Annex,
Kam Selem House,
Obalende,
Lagos.
A CASE OF THEFT AND CRIMINAL CONVERSION OF CONTAINER NOS;FFAU 2082021,
CAIU7022981
MSDU 7666283 BY EKKO PREMIER CONTAINER AND ALLIED SERVICES,OKOTA.
Sir,
The above matter refers.
Whereas the outcome of your painstaking investigation on the above mentioned containers were duly communicated to the above named terminal, with the consequential orders IGNORED, we hereby implore your good offices to immediately commence criminal prosecution against them.
But for our intelligence network, the containers would have been spirited away in the night of 20th March, 2025.
We have physical and material evidence to prove their nefarious and criminal intents.
Recall Sir, that in your position as keepers of order and security in the Maritime industry, you initiated mediations since November,2024.
Your office wrote the Nigerian customs service for clarification on the status of the containers.
You obtained clear and unambiguous affirmations that the said containers were duly allocated to ELEVATE MOORE VENTURES through the auction process.
The terminal rejected your letter, questioning your authority in that regard.
They insisted on getting a letter from the Customs, to ascertain the authenticity of your investigations.
The customs wrote them, affirming your findings, and ordering them to release the containers to ELEVATE MOORE VENTURES.
Still, they refused; ignoring you, your summons and that of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Note Sir, that the criminal intents of this terminal management was laid bare when they breached established protocols to lift those containers without a valid DELIVERY ORDER from the shipping line.
Till date, the other “allotees”,as claimed by the terminal have never shown up, not even to the customs to claim ownership.
This confirms our suspicion that the terminal management had decided to steal those containers!
There is also a serious suspicion that those containers may have been tampered with.
One is believed to have been stuffed with cement blocks.
The other completely empty!.
That could be why they have been dodging your invitations.
You may have to write the customs to ascertain the veracity of this allegations.
The terminal management need to be arrested as the examination is done.
Trusting in your just and immediate action.
Please accept the assurances of our high regards.
Sincerely,
Hon. Ibrahim Tanko
National coordinator.