Nigeria to prosecute Russian sailors
2013-01-08 12:28
-
Nigeria
How Ethnic Rivalry and Religious Fundamentalism Threatens Africa's Most Populous Nation
Was R342.95
Now R308.66
buy now
Lagos - Nigeria's navy has transferred for prosecution 15
Russian sailors detained since October for allegedly transporting illegal arms,
a navy spokesperson said on Tuesday.
"The police have taken over the custody of the 15
Russians because the navy does not have the power to prosecute them,"
Lieutenant Commander Jerry Omodara of the Western Naval Command in Lagos, told
AFP.
He said the police took over the case on Monday after
inspecting the vessel and weapons currently docked at the navy's Beecroft's
harbour in Apapa, Lagos, the nation's economic capital and main seaport.
"We have to keep the ship because the police do not
have the capacity to keep it. Both the vessel and weapons will be released as
exhibits during the trial of the suspects," he said.
Omodara did not however say when the trial will start.
"It is left for the police to decide when to start the
trial. The navy has concluded its preliminary investigations," he added.
The MV Myre Seadiver was seized on 19 October off the coast
of Lagos by a naval patrol which also detained its 15 crew members.
Weapons found on the vessel included 14 AK-47 rifles with 3 643
rounds of ammunition as well as 22 Benelli MR1 rifles with 4 955 rounds of
ammunition.
The intended destination or planned use of the arms was not
clear. Nigeria is awash with illegal weapons that have fuelled violence in
Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer.
Omodara said the vessel had left the Cook Islands in the
South Pacific and arrived in Nigeria's waters without permission.
The ship was said to belong to the Moscow-based Moran Group
and was flying a Dutch island flag at the time of its seizure.
