The Navy has ordered the immediate release of MT Praisel vessel to continue its operations in line with extant approvals.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Navy’s spokesperson, Commodore Ayo-Vaughan, said the order was issued around 7am on Monday.
Our correspondent leant that the order was issued after the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) laboratory analysis, which he said was the fifth of the test, confirmed that product to be High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO).
MT Praisel was arrested in the Koko area of Delta State by a private security outfit, Tantita Security Service Limited (TSSL) on August 2, 2023, over suspicion of the vessel’s product being stolen crude oil.
However, the nature of the product onboard the vessel became a subject of controversy between the TSSL and some regulatory agencies, with TSSL insisting that the product was stolen crude oil.
Consequently, the vessel was taken to Escravos anchorage on August 3, 2023, for verification of the product and other investigations.
The Navy, on August 5, 2023, revealed its findings. It said, in a statement, that the product onboard the vessel was HPFO approved by the NMDPRA, and not stolen crude oil, has insinuated and alleged.
It said this was confirmed after a laboratory text by all relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
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