Port Harcourt-based houseboat operators have dragged the Nigerian Army to court, alleging 26 months of unpaid rents and the unlawful seizure of boats deployed to patrol waterways in the Niger Delta.
ENigeria Newspaper gathered that three companies namely Peaches Integrated Services Limited, Godsam Industrial Services Limited, and Etucom Integrated Services Limited filed the suit at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt (FHC/PH/CS/115/2025), naming the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe, as defendants.
The plaintiffs claim the houseboats were hired to support anti-oil bunkering operations but have been retained by the military without compensation. The companies argue that the vessels are deteriorating due to lack of maintenance, causing significant financial loss.
Speaking outside the court, the plaintiffs’ counsel, Mbata Chiburoma, expressed frustration over the delay. “What the defendants have to do, they have not done. They have not released the boats, and they have not released the money for their use. The boats are getting useless by the day, and the owners have lost some for lack of maintenance. But I am optimistic that we will get justice,” she said.
A preliminary objection was raised by the counsel to the Chief of Defence Staff and the JTF Commander, U.J. Chiedozie, which the plaintiffs countered with an affidavit. Following arguments, Justice D.S. Pam adjourned the matter to April 15, 2026, for hearing of all applications.
Meanwhile, protests erupted outside the court as workers of the affected firms carried placards demanding intervention. Messages such as “Our boats are dilapidated due to lack of maintenance,” “Mr. President rescue us,” and “Houseboat contractors are not slaves” were displayed.
Dennis Linus Ayaraekpe, speaking for the workers, described the situation as a humanitarian concern.
“We are law-abiding citizens doing honest work. These are our workers who have not been paid. The boats are in terrible condition, our families are hungry, and everyone is unhappy. We are pleading with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney General, and the Chief of Defence Staff to end our suffering,” he said.
The protest comes amid the Navy’s reported successes in combating oil theft, helping the country approach 1.8 million barrels per day in production.
