The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), seeking an independent investigation into alleged professional misconduct by CSP Omar John Sini, Head of Investigation, Special Prosecution Team of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Products Theft. HURIWA accused Sini of ordering the interception of a vessel, MT. THOR, and the arrest of four maintenance workers. The group made the allegations at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, through its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko.
According to the petition, the vessel was being towed under Marine Police escort to a safe location at the Marine Police Jetty in Warri, Delta State, on December 15, 2025, when officers attached to the Special Prosecution Team allegedly intercepted it. The lawyers claimed that MT. THOR was then under the custody of the Admiralty Marshal of the Federal High Court, Warri Judicial Division, and was being moved to prevent possible damage. HURIWA questioned the authority under which the officers intervened and whether the operation complied with relevant court orders and judicial directives.
The group also questioned the arrest and prosecution of four maintenance workers identified as Ebor Eric Kessiena, John Atawo Lawrence, Godwin Okpaje, and Mukaila Sarumi. Their lawyers maintained that the men had been engaged to pump accumulated water from the vessel’s engine room to prevent flooding or sinking. They disputed allegations that the workers were involved in crude oil theft or illegal petroleum dealings. HURIWA further questioned an analysis reportedly attributed to CSP Sini and dated December 12, 2025, three days before the interception and arrests.
HURIWA raised concerns over the alleged detention of the four workers for more than six months at the Okere Correctional Centre in Warri. It called for a review of their arrest, arraignment, remand, bail, and release records to establish whether their detention was legally justified. Another allegation concerned correspondence from the Force Intelligence Department (FID), reportedly requesting the transfer or coordination of the MT. THOR investigation. HURIWA alleged that CSP Sini disregarded the communication and urged the IGP to establish whether it constituted a binding directive and whether any lawful instruction from superior authorities was ignored.
The group was also concerned about an alleged move to auction or sell MT. THOR while litigation involving the vessel remained pending. It referenced Suit No. FHC/W/CS/65/2024, involving EBENCO GLOBAL LINK LTD. and MT. THOR, among other parties. The petition further alleged that associates of CSP Sini might benefit from a proposed disposal, although the lawyers acknowledged that the claim had not been established. HURIWA urged the police to investigate whether any valuation, auction instruction, or proposed sale existed and determine whether it had received lawful authorisation.
HURIWA also asked the IGP to verify a reported Federal High Court order in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Daylop Pam, directing the arrest and production of CSP Sini over alleged violations of the fundamental rights of the four workers. The association urged the police chief to obtain the relevant court records and establish whether the order had been complied with. Among its demands, HURIWA called for an independent investigative panel to examine the vessel’s interception, the arrests and prosecution of the workers, the FID correspondence, and the alleged attempt to dispose of the vessel.
The group stressed that the allegations against the officer remained unproven and should be determined through an impartial, evidence-based investigation. “The fight against petroleum theft and other economic crimes must be conducted through credible investigations, admissible evidence, and strict adherence to due process,” Onwubiko noted. It maintained that the investigation was necessary to protect judicial authority, uphold the rights of those involved, and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.
Key points
- HURIWA petitions IGP over alleged misconduct by CSP Omar John Sini
- Group alleges Sini ordered interception of vessel, MT. THOR, and arrest of four maintenance workers
- HURIWA demands independent investigation into allegations against police officer
