By Kunle Aderemi

A Lagos based maritime company, Sea Delights Marine Wreckage Limited, has instituted a ₦771 million lawsuit against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian Navy, and other officials over its inability to take possession of a vessel acquired through a court ordered auction.
Also joined as defendants in the suit, marked FHC L CS 793 2026 before the Federal High Court in Lagos, are the Chief Registrar and the Deputy Chief Registrar in charge of Admiralty matters.
Represented by its counsel, Benjamin Sati, the claimant is seeking ₦771 million, covering the purchase cost of the vessel, damages, legal fees, and litigation expenses.
The company stated that it paid ₦130 million on 15 July 2024 for the vessel, MT Dejikun, but has been denied possession due to what it described as unlawful interference and disobedience of court orders by the Attorney General and the Nigerian Navy.
Among the reliefs sought are declarations that the first and second defendants breached the contract for the sale of the vessel concluded in July 2024, and that the actions of other defendants were ultra vires. The firm is also seeking rescission of the contract, an order setting aside the auction sale, and a refund of the purchase sum with interest.
Additionally, the claimant is demanding ₦500 million as punitive and exemplary damages, ₦10 million as legal fees, and ₦1 million as the cost of the suit.
In its statement of claim, deposed to by its Managing Partner, Bukoye Omoyemi, the company traced the dispute to a judicial sale ordered on 3 July 2023 by Justice Yellim Bogoro. The order directed the sale of the vessel to prevent further deterioration, as it had remained under detention since 2016 at the Nigerian Navy Kirikiri Anchorage in Lagos.
Following the order, the Admiralty Marshal sought the assistance of the Nigerian Navy for valuation, which was subsequently approved. The vessel was valued by A One Security Limited, Port Harcourt, and sold through a public auction where the claimant emerged as the highest bidder.
The firm stated that it received an offer letter dated 27 May 2024 and made payment into a designated Fidelity Bank account in the name of the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court. A bill of sale and delivery protocol were executed on 15 July 2024.
According to the claimant, the Admiralty Marshal formally notified the Nigerian Navy of the sale and requested assistance for the release of the vessel. However, the Navy declined in a letter dated 18 September 2024, insisting that the request must be channelled through the Attorney General.
Subsequent correspondence involved the Office of the Attorney General. In June 2025, the Navy sought clarification, and the Solicitor General later directed that the vessel should not be released due to a pending forfeiture application.
The company noted that the forfeiture application was eventually dismissed. On 10 February 2026, Justice Bogoro reportedly refused the forfeiture request and ordered the immediate release of the vessel.
Despite the ruling, the claimant alleged that both the Attorney General and the Nigerian Navy have failed to comply with the court order.
The firm further informed the court that the vessel has suffered extensive damage due to prolonged detention, including vandalism and structural deterioration.
It argued that the continued refusal to release the vessel has resulted in significant financial losses, including missed business opportunities and increased recovery costs, thereby undermining the contract.
Consequently, the claimant urged the court to rescind the contract and order a refund, while also setting aside the auction on the grounds that external interference rendered its execution impossible.
The matter has been assigned to Justice Ayokunle Faji, who has fixed 15 June 2026 for hearing. The defendants are yet to file their responses.
Earlier, on 3 July 2023, Justice Bogoro struck out the criminal charge against the vessel for lack of diligent prosecution and ordered its release, a position he reaffirmed in February 2026.