Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC says it has arrested five suspected oil thieves caught with 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil, commonly known as diesel.
NSCDC Commandant in Rivers State, Basil Igwebueze, who said the arrest was carried out by operatives of its Anti-Vandal Unit, assured that the command under his watch will continue to fight against the activities of illegal oil bunkering in the state.
Igwebueze who further explained that the suspects were arrested in different locations across the state, warned the perpetrators to turn a new leaf by engaging in legal ventures, instead of sabotaging the nation’s economy.
He further said the suspects would be charged to court at the end of a thorough investigation while the contents and the mode conveyance would be forfeited and proceeds remitted to Proceeds Of Crime Account.
“The five suspects namely Abdulrasheed Nuhu(M), 25years, Hussaini Ciroma (M), 24years, Shamsudeen Umar (M), 23years, Al-Amina Ismaila(M), 19years, Ibrahim Usman(M), 23years, were arrested at Alesa-Eleme Okrika Road, Eleme Local Government for laying galvanized pipes close to NNPC/PPMC right of way. The suspects were caught with some galvanized pipes to be connected and used for tapping crude oil.
“Preliminary investigation report revealed that the suspects carried out the act with the intention of siphoning petroleum products from the pipeline at late hours of the night.
“The following vehicles were impounded: Toyota Camry with registration number Lagos EJ297LSD with 1600 litres of AGO; A Mazda Saloon Car Lagos DN30APP in conveyance of 1,000 litres of AGO concealed in cellophane bags, Toyota Sienna Rivers NDN797GM conveying 2,500litres of AGO, a mini-bus with registration number BRR553XA conveying 500litres of AGO.
Others are, “A Selica Saloon Car with plate number Rivers PHC506 HK abandoned with 1,700 litres of AGO concealed in a cellophane bag; a Volkswagen Saloon Car Rivers KNM111XA with 1,200 litres of AGO, a Nissan Pathfinder Rivers PHC 853 KK with 3,000 litres of AGO, a Volkswagen Car Rivers PBT 531 SY with 1,000 litres of AGO and a Toyota Camry Abuja ABJ 611 JN laden with 2,500 litres of AGO.”
