Liberia: Nigerian National Sentenced to 5 Years for Piracy On High Seas

Published: September 15, 2025

Temple of Justice, Monrovia — Criminal Court ‘D’ at the Temple of Justice has sentenced a Nigerian national, Michael Oputa, to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to piracy, theft of property and criminal conspiracy in connection with the 2023 hijacking of a Chinese fishing vessel in Liberian waters.

Judge Mameita Jabateh-Sirleaf handed down the ruling on Sept. 15, 2025, following a plea bargain agreement between Oputa’s defense team and state…