By FESTUS AHON

UGHELLI—THE management  of TIM Afrique Services Limited, has raised alarm over the Military Joint Task Force,  JTF’s continued detention of its vessel MV TIM Begele Ex, despite clearance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and a court order for the immediate release of the vessel.

A Delta State High Court, sitting in Effurun, had on  August 18, 2010, ordered the release of the goods  vessel, which was arrested and seized at the inland water ways Jetty, Warri on September 25, 2009 and subsequently detained at the NPA Jetty.

Trial judge in the matter, Justice G. Gbemre, described the continued detention of the vessel without reasons as “unlawful, unconstitutional, illegal and null and void.”

The court also orders that the sum of N120 million be paid to the applicant as damages for cross violation of the applicant’s right as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 constitution.

Also in a letter addressed to the Commander, Headquarters’, JTF,  Yenagoa, Bayalsa State, the Head of Operations, EFCC, Port Harcourt, Hycent  Edozie said  from investigations it completed, it was impossible to find any evidence to proceed against the suspects for the offence of conspiracy and illegal oil bunkering leveled against them.

“While the commission appreciates your efforts in fight against illegal bunkering and other petroleum related offences, it is kindly requested you allow the above operative and team to release the exhibit vessel ‘MV TIM BEGELE’ to the bonafide owner on presentation of the commission’s bond to produce exhibits in order to avoid civil litigation against the commission and the JTF, ” the letter said.