The government of India may have intervened on the fate of 16 India sailors who are among the crew of a commercial ship, Heroic MT Idun, currently detained in August on charges of attempted oil theft, among others
According to the charge sheet filed on November 14 by the Nigerian authorities in the court, three charges have been levelled against the crew members, which comprise conspiracy, evasion of lawful interception, and unlawful export of crude oil.
Replying to a question on the matter Rajya Sabha, the India’s external affairs minister, S Jaishankar said the Indian government is currently on the matter, according to a report by Outlook.
Nigeria had filed charge sheet on 14 Nov alleging crew to be involved in attempted oil theft, among others.
Also Read: Oil Theft: Nigeria Charges 26 Crew Members Of MT Heroic Idun To Court In PH
It is believed that on the directives of the government of Indian, the High Commission in Nigeria is in talk on the possible release of the sailors. There are 26 members in the crew the vessel, MT Heroic Idun, of which 16 are Indians.
The minister said, “government of India is aware of the detention of the ship MT Heroic Idun since August and has been engaged with relevant authorities on the matter through our missions in Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. They are also in touch with the OSM Shipping Company,” he said.
The detained 26 crew members include nationalities of India (16), Poland, Philippines and Sri Lanka.
“Our Mission in Abuja is extending all consular services to ensure the safety and welfare of the Indian crew members aboard the vessel MT Heroic Idun and working towards their early release,” Jaishankar said.
Also Read: Oil Theft: Nigerian Navy Arrests Two More ‘Rogue’ Ships In Niger Delta
He said the Indian mission has sought assistance of the Nigerian authorities and through legal means for expeditious finalisation of the legal process for the early release of the Indian crew members.
A video of the sailors seeking the government of India’s help to secure their release went viral on social media last month. The sailors said they had been detained for over 85 days by the Guinean navy.
Days later, social media posts showed videos of sailors begging for mercy as Nigeria sought their custody.
By Bosco Anayo
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