The Nigerian Navy has declared one Mr Charles Ekpemefumor a.k.a Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba wanted for allegedly masterminding a recent ship hijack.

Director of Information, Commodore Christian Odogwu Ezekobe, said in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja that investigations implicated Mr Ekpemefumor in the February 11, 2016 hijack of a vessel, MT MAXIMUS, with 18 crew members and carrying 4,368.203MT of Gas Oil by a group of suspected pirates off Cote d’Ivoire waters.

Commodore Ezekobe said: “Consequently, the Nigerian Navy deployed for rescue operations. “The vessel was eventually rescued on 19 February, 2016 within Sao Tome waters 320 nautical miles (nm) off the Nigerian coast. During the rescue operation, 6 pirates were arrested, while one of them was killed. Some items were recovered from the pirates including weapons and mobile telephones.

“However, in the course of investigations, it was revealed that one MR CHARLES EKPEMEFUMOR a.k.a Charles Parker or Captain Charles Agaba is the mastermind of the hijack attack on the MT MAXIMUS.

“Additionally, he was alleged to be responsible for the leasing of mother ship MT DEJIKUN used for the hijack from one Mr Mustapha Kenny Gani through a third party called Mr Steve Paul. In view of his involvement in the pirate attack and hijacking of MT MAXIMUS, a letter of invitation was sent to him on 15 April, 2016 to enable him come for questioning on the allegation. Several attempts have been made to ensure his compliance but all efforts proved abortive.

“Accordingly, Mr Charles Ekpemefumor Alias Charles Parker is hereby declared wanted by the Naval Headquarters in other to unravel the circumstances of the hijack of MT MAXIMUS. “Therefore, any person who sights him should report immediately to any naval formation, military or security agencies for prompt action.”