Maritime Industry Under Siege: Pen-Wielding Blackmailer Targets Stakeholders

Maritime Industry Under Siege: Pen-Wielding Blackmailer Targets Stakeholders

The Nigerian maritime industry, with the potential to become the nation's second-largest revenue generator, is currently under siege by a cabal that exploits the sector through a campaign of blackmail and intimidation. This cabal, led by a notorious media veteran, has been accused of using his platform to extort and harass key stakeholders in the industry.

According to a report by Cablenews24, while prominent journalists such as Dele Alake, Segun Adeniyi, and Femi Adesina have risen to respected roles as media consultants and government spokespersons, another former colleague from the *Concord* newspaper group has taken a darker path. This individual, identified as Anthony Oguguo, also known as Asu Beks, has allegedly become the lead figure in a blackmail ring that targets maritime professionals and agencies.

In 2023, Beks reportedly staged the kidnapping of his own daughter and used the crisis to solicit funds through a WhatsApp group. The scheme collapsed when security agencies began closing in on him.

Beks is said to operate by threatening industry stakeholders with negative press coverage unless they meet his demands, which range from financial extortion to securing favorable contracts, appointments, and other forms of patronage. Those who refuse to comply reportedly face damaging, often fabricated, stories aimed at tarnishing their reputations. Notably, Beks has successfully orchestrated the employment of his child's mother at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and secured a $100,000 scholarship for his son under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

His tactics have affected several key players in the maritime industry. The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have both reportedly fallen victim to his blackmail schemes. Sources suggest that Beks nearly caused a split within ANLCA for personal gain, and during the tenure of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, he allegedly secured a questionable training contract with the NPA, only to refuse payment for services rendered. When confronted, the story was leaked to the public.

His unpredictable behavior is further illustrated by his contradictory stances on public officials. After initially criticizing the appointment of Adegboyega Oyetola as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Beks quickly reversed his position, issuing a public apology when his efforts at blackmail were unsuccessful.

The fallout from Beks' activities has severely undermined trust in maritime journalism. His manipulation of the media has blurred the lines between legitimate investigative reporting and outright slander, leaving industry professionals and the public unsure of what is credible and what is fabricated.

Furthermore, Beks is accused of shielding those engaged in criminal activities within the maritime sector, acting as a tool for those who exploit the industry for personal gain. His latest efforts reportedly involve attempting to disrupt an investigation into a multimillion-dollar maritime fraud, using his media platform to divert attention and intimidate those involved in the probe.

Industry experts are calling for collective action to address the menace posed by Beks. They urge maritime companies and professionals to unite against his tactics, refuse his demands, and work together to expose his misconduct.

"A stitch in time saves nine," says Okon Edet, Public Relations Officer of the *Save Maritime Nigeria Group*, calling for immediate action to end the reign of terror orchestrated by Beks and his cohorts.

Okon Edet, PRO, Concerned Save Maritime Nigeria Group.