IAA PortNews has the access to documents provided to the Court of Nigeria in evidence of frivolousness of arms smuggling charges against Russian seafarers. They attest to the fact that the call of Myre Seadiver on the port of Lagos was properly approved, visas were provided to Russian seafarers by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, the arms on board the vessel were kept in full compliance with IMO requirements.
The 15-men Russian crew of the Myre Seadiver of Moran security group, specializing in armed escort of vessels, was detained at the port of Lagos (Nigeria) after they properly informed the local security officer about the arms carried on board the vessel. The Court of Nigeria accused the Russian seafarers that they did without a license import into Nigeria a cache of firearms and ammunitions prohibited from importation under Section 18 of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (14)(a)(i) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 LFN 2004 punishable under section 1 (14)(a) and (b) of the same Act. The result of the regular court meeting scheduled for April 10, is unpredictable.
Experts think that the incident is useful for British companies specializing in armed escort of commercial vessels (providing protection from pirate attacks) which try to squeeze the competitors out of this market.
The documents are available at the website of IAA PortNews (WinRAR archive) >>>>
Related links:
Kremlin seeks London sanctions for Nigeria in Myre Seadiver case >>>>
Owner of m/v Myre Seadiver published Nigeria court’s judgment indicting 15 Russian crew>>>>