How Do I Arrest a Ship?
How Do I Arrest a Ship?
In order to arrest a ship, you have to institute an action against the ship in the Federal High Court judicial division in which the ship or port is located.
Where the Motion Exparte is heard and granted, a warrant of arrest will be issued. The warrant of arrest is usually served alongside the writ of summons and statement of claim, by affixing sealed copies of the processes to a mast or some other conspicuous part of the ship. Copies of the processes must also be served on the appropriate officers of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Claims can be brought by way of arrest — e.g. claims for possession, ownership and mortgage of a ship or its freight, as well as maritime liens. It also includes claims arising in connection with a ship. Section 1 & 2, Admiralty Jurisdiction Act.
— Victor Opatola
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