Police to take over prosecution of 15 Russian sea divers

THE Nigeria Police has taken over the investigation and prosecution of the 15 Russian crew members of “My Myre Seadiver” arrested over illegal entry, non-declaration of cargo and illegal possession of firearms.

 The police are to begin immediate prosecution of the 15 foreigners who were on October 19 arrested   by the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS), Beecroft in  Apapa, Lagos State on suspicion of carrying arms and ammunition at the Lagos roadstead.

The suspects were on Monday handed over to the police by the commanding officer of NNS Beecroft,  Lagos, Commodore Martin Njoko, who stated that the handing over was for the police to further the investigations and prosecution of the Russia nationals

“After preliminary investigation, we found out that they were carrying small arms on our waters which they are not supposed to carry. So we are handing over the suspects to our sister security agency, the Nigerian Police as mandated by the constitution for continuation of investigation and prosecution.

 “We also discovered that the vessel came into our waterways, without due notification and had some weapons inside it, which is an infringement on the laws of Nigeria,” he stated.

 Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Mu’azu  Zubairu, the said the police would continue with the investigation from where the navy stopped.

The SFU police boss added that that the matter would be given due attention and the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigation was concluded.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the  suspects  had attempted to disguise as dutch nationals as the ship was said to be flying a Dutch Island flag.

The items handed over to the police were assorted 14 AK -47 rifles with 3,643 ammunition, 22 double barrel guns, with 4,955 live cartridges and an arm, called Benelli  MR1, with 20 rifles.