A Lagos-based maritime firm, Sea Delights Marine Wreckage Limited, has instituted a N771 million suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian Navy, and officials of the Federal High Court over its alleged inability to take possession of a vessel it purchased through a court-ordered auction.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/793/2026 and filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, also lists the Chief Registrar and the Deputy Chief Registrar (Admiralty) of the court as defendants.
Through its counsel, Benjamin Sati, the company is seeking financial redress covering the cost of the vessel, damages, and legal expenses.
Sea Delights stated that it paid N130 million on July 15, 2024, for the vessel, MT Dejikun (IMO: 8716045), but has since been denied possession due to what it described as “unlawful interference and disobedience of court orders” by the AGF and the Nigerian Navy.
Among its claims, the firm is asking the court to declare that the defendants breached the contract for the sale of the vessel and that certain actions taken by court officials were “ultra vires.” It is also seeking an order rescinding the contract and setting aside the auction sale, citing alleged undue influence.
Additionally, the company is demanding a refund of the N130 million purchase price with accrued interest, N500 million in punitive damages, N10 million in legal fees, and N1 million as the cost of the suit.
In its statement of claim, deposed to by Managing Partner Bukoye Omoyemi, the firm traced the dispute to a judicial sale ordered by Yellim Bogoro on July 3, 2023.
The order followed a case between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and MT Dejikun, directing the vessel’s sale to prevent further deterioration after it had been under detention since 2016 at the Nigerian Navy’s Kirikiri Anchorage in Lagos.
According to the claimant, the Admiralty Marshal initiated the valuation process, with the Nigerian Navy providing security support. A public auction was subsequently conducted, and Sea Delights emerged as the highest bidder.
The firm said it received an offer letter dated May 27, 2024, and completed payment into a designated account operated by the court’s Chief Registrar. A Bill of Sale and delivery protocol were executed on July 15, 2024.
However, the company alleged that efforts to take possession of the vessel were stalled after the Navy insisted that the request must be routed through the AGF.
Subsequent correspondence, it said, led to a directive from the Solicitor-General in July 2025 halting the release of the vessel due to a pending forfeiture application.
Sea Delights noted that the forfeiture request was later dismissed. On February 10, 2026, Justice Bogoro again ordered the immediate release of the vessel.
Despite this, the firm claimed that the defendants have “failed, neglected and refused” to comply with the court’s directive.
The company further alleged that the vessel has suffered significant deterioration and vandalism during its prolonged detention, resulting in financial losses and missed business opportunities.
“MT Dejikun has been vandalised and continues to deteriorate due to its condition,” the firm stated, adding that the delay has fundamentally undermined the contract.
The case has been assigned to Ayokunle Faji, who has fixed June 15, 2026, for hearing.
As of the time of filing this report, the defendants had not responded to the suit.