By Jacqueline L. Dennis
MONROVIA – In Liberia’s first-ever piracy trial, Criminal Court ‘D’ at the Temple of Justice has sentenced one defendant and released another following the armed hijacking of a Chinese fishing vessel in Liberian waters.
Presiding Judge Mameita Jabateh-Sirleaf announced the verdict on Monday, concluding a case that has attracted significant national and international attention since it began in July 2023.
The case involved two Nigerian nationals, Michael Oputa and Titus Ezenan, accused of participating in the hijacking of the Chinese vessel Shanghai-2 within Liberia’s maritime jurisdiction.
Court records show that the Liberian Coast Guard intercepted the vessel after a fierce gun battle, resulting in the capture of both men. They were subsequently handed over to the Liberia National Police, investigated, and indicted for piracy.
During the trial, Oputa entered a plea bargain, admitting his involvement in the attack. He was found in possession of the firearm used during the hijacking. In line with the agreement, Oputa was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence retroactive to his arrest date.
In contrast, the court ruled that Ezenan was an unwitting participant with no prior knowledge of the piracy plan. Evidence showed he had been hired by Oputa to assist with measuring petroleum products aboard the vessel, believing the job was a routine business task.
Given these findings, the court released Ezenan, concluding he lacked criminal intent and played no direct role in the hijacking.
While Liberian law typically requires a pre-sentencing report from the Ministry of Justice, Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf waived this step due to the nature of the crime and the defendants’ non-resident status.
In her ruling, Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf underscored the case’s importance as Liberia strengthens its legal framework against piracy and asserts its sovereignty over territorial waters.
