Ocean Marine Service: Shareholders association fault IGP report

By Akpos Ogehetega,

Independent Shareholders Association and Nigeria Shareholders Association have faulted the report of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu on Ocean Marine.

A member of the group, Mr Idowu Salawa, who called for investigation of the controversial sale of share, also called on the
Corporate Affairs Commission to deregister Ocean Marine Services untill a proper forensic investigation is conducted.

He berated IGP over the report of ocean marine shares sold at N2 billion belonging to Mr. Tunde Ayeni, with a share interest of 35% of a buisness worth $5 billion in assets and cash.

The member said that if IGP was not compromised, how come he never conducted investigation or interview the directors before now.

Salawa specifically asked why the report now, adding that the late Admiral Joe Aikhomu, who was also a director of the company was never interviewed by the IGP before his death.

He alleged that the IGP was compromised the reason why “no investigation was conducted with other shareholders and directors.

Recall that Ayeni had accused Captain Hosa Okunbo of alleged theft and criminal diversion of company funds, which the IGP had cleared him.

Ayeni had through his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), filed a petition on December 7, 2020, with the police accusing Okunbo of theft of the funds of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, a company they, in company with others, had formed.

In the letter titled “Police Investigation Report,” signed by Head, IGP Monitoring Unit, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Mr. A.A. Elleman, an assistant commissioner of police, dated 16 March 2021, the police said the businessman (Okunbo) was blameless.

“From the foregoing, it is pertinent to state that the allegations of stealing and criminal diversion of company funds as alleged by the complainant – Dr. Tunde Ayeni-against the suspect, Capt. Hosa Wells-Okunbo, could not be established as there were documentary evidence that was provided by the suspect – Capt. Hosa Wells-Okunbo, which clearly shows that Capt. Hosa Okunbo has lawfully acquired Dr. Tunde Ayeni’s interest in Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMS) for the valuable consideration of N2,000,000,000.00 (Two Billion Naira) only. So also the allegation of criminal diversion of company funds is baseless, malicious and false as it hasn’t be proven by the complainant.”

Salawa, has, however faulted the police report on this issue, adding that the police has been compromised. He insisted that shareholders should investigate the development and unraveled the true situation.