The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned four persons alleged to have been involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal possession of petroleum products.
The accused, Rasaq Sofiu (32), Ahmed Bashorun (40), Nofiu Banjo (33) and Okonlawon Ojuleti (32), who all reside in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, appeared before a Federal High Court.
They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, vandalism and unlawful possession of petroleum products.
The prosecutor, Justin Enang, told the court that the accused committed the offences on April 15.
He said that the accused were apprehended by the police on the same day, at Arepo, Ogun, at about 8am, with several gallons of petrol, allegedly obtained from a vandalised pipeline.
Enang told the court that the accused could not provide satisfactory explanation about the products in their possession and were arrested.
He said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 7(a) and (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2004, and Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004.
The offences attract a term of not less than seven years imprisonment upon conviction.
However, all the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Mohammed Idris ordered that they be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons and adjourned the case till June 28 for trial.
Arepo pipeline: Police charge four more with vandalism
By NAN
Fire raging at Arepo pipeline recently
