Port2Port West Africa - Contractors Released
PORT2PORT West Africa is pleased to announce that two of its contractors were released 9 April 2014 on bail, on the order of Justice Akpomiemie of the High Court of Bayelsa State, Yenagoa, Nigeria, after 19 days of unwarranted detention in contravention of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and international convention since 21 March.
Vincent Haywood (32) and Piers Eastwood (39), both UK nationals were able to return to the UK by the Nigerian court and were reunited with their families. They are required to return to Nigeria for another court hearing on 14 May.
Port2Port West Africa continues to vehemently deny that its contractors were or ever have been involved in any crime or illegal activity of any kind. The company has listed the details leading to their detainment, subsequent arrest and charge. In close liaison with British High Commission in Abuja, Port2Port has worked extremely hard to facilitate release.
Port2Port is relieved to have the contractors back in the UK. Piers Eastwood and Vincent Haywood are in good health and understandably very relieved to have been released. Both former Royal Marines with exemplary military records, they are two of Port2Ports finest and most respected senior team leaders with a wealth of experience of maritime operations in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea.
Ambassador Edward Aina, Chairman of Port2Port West Africa said, “The release is very good news, but we are now preparing for their reappearance in a Nigerian court on 14 May, when we will be fully vindicated of all charges. The allegations and charges against them are patently untrue and we will utilise every legal process at our disposal to prove as such and get these dedicated, highly professional and totally innocent contractors proven innocent and Port2Port Maritime exonerated of any wrong doing and claim appropriate compensation along with other remedies as may be advised by our solicitors.”
Andrew Varney, Managing Director, Port2Port Maritime said, “Our contractors release is very welcome and a huge relief for their families. I have met with Vincent and Piers and their families and am delighted to report that they are in good spirits and looking forward to a well-earned rest and some quality home time after this harrowing ordeal. Of course, due process has still to be completed and we are now singularly focused on the objective of complete exoneration and determined to return to the Nigerian court to prove our innocence.”
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