The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it has arrested six persons, including a woman, in connection with pipeline vandalisation.
The Corps Public Relations Officer, Kareem Olanrewaju, told newsmen on Thursday in Abeokuta that the gang vandalised pipelines belonging to NNPC along Abeokuta-Ajebo Road in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
Olanrewaju said officials of the command, who were on routine patrol around the area, apprehended them shortly after they scooped the product from a vandalised pipeline in the area.
He said that the NSCDC officials recovered a diesel truck with registration number Lagos LND 995 XC with 67 Jerry cans containing 25 litres of petroleum product each.
The corps spokesman said one Isah Obey had confessed to committing the crime.
According to him, Obey said he was invited by one Adenike Yusuf to convey the product from Mile 10 area to her shop at Saje in Abeokuta.
Olanrewaju said: “In her own confession, Mrs. Adenike Yusuf confessed that the deal was brought by one Dickson Idah, 29, who informed her that petroleum products were available.
“Yusuf said she immediately mobilised him with the sum of N15,000 and that the balance is expected to be paid after selling the products.”
He said another suspect, Awilo Gamman, aged 28, who also confessed to committing the crime, admitted he usually syphoned the product from different locations and that Yusuf was is his regular customer.
Olanrewaju said: “Other suspects arrested are Idowu Micheal (30), Job Omino (28) and an agent who usually help them to get buyer.
“The syndicate is departmentalised with some different people in charge of vandalism, syphoning and loading.”
According to him, some of them were in charge of taking the tanker to a suitable location where they dispense the product into small Jerry cans for interested buyers.
Olanrewaju said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.
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