The Nigerian maritime sector, a crucial component of our economy, has been riddled with issues such as piracy and lax regulations. However, a more dangerous enemy has surfaced from within—a figure who thrives on unethical practices and blackmail, and that person is none other than Asu Beks, born Anthony Oguguo.
Once a prominent name in maritime journalism, Beks, now in his seventies, has mastered the art of media manipulation for personal gain. His latest target, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), barely escaped a trap. Beks, posing as a harmless industry insider, presented Dantsoho with an invitation to host stakeholders on his behalf. Dantsoho, fortunately, declined the offer—a decision that may have saved him from a barrage of future blackmail attempts.
The NIMASA Director-General wasn’t as lucky. After succumbing to Beks’ “proposal” earlier this year, he became the victim of relentless blackmail. Despite receiving over N10 million in just ten months from NIMASA, Beks continued to press for more, and when his demands were not met, he retaliated with damaging, false stories. One such fabrication was the recent headline alleging a bribery scandal under NIMASA DG Mobereola’s watch—a complete twist of the narrative for personal vendetta.
Beks’ tactics are all too familiar: blackmail, slander, and misinformation, often published on his discredited platform. His strategy is simple—make outrageous demands, and if denied, twist the story to paint his targets in the worst light possible. Those who refuse to indulge his whims, like Dantsoho, dodge bullets. Those who don’t, suffer the consequences.
Dantsoho’s predecessors, Hadiza Bala Usman and Bello Koko, learned this the hard way, exercising extreme caution when dealing with this long-standing maritime industry menace. Now, Dantsoho has joined their ranks of leaders wise enough to avoid the pitfalls of Asu Beks’ tactics.
To move forward, Nigeria’s maritime industry must confront the likes of Asu Beks. The culture of blackmail and unethical journalism must be stamped out if we are to see true progress in this sector. Only through unity and firm action can the industry restore its integrity, ensuring that the media serves as a platform for truth—not for manipulation. Let this serve as a wake-up call: Dantsoho dodged a bullet, but how many more will fall victim?
Okon Edet
PRO, Concerned Save Maritime Nigeria Group
