Chiemelie Ezeobi
In line with the strategic directive of the naval authorities to curb the burgeoning menace of pipeline vandalism, it’s Forward Operating Base (FOB), in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has arrested 32 suspects for illegally siphoning and selling stolen kerosene
Besides arresting the suspects made up of drivers, marketers and loaders of the illegal products, they also recovered the stolen products and handed them all over to the police for onward prosecution.
Also recovered were 370 jerrycans of 30 litres illegall kerosene totalling about 11,100 liters, 13 vehicles, 31 phones and the sum of N3,199,000. The arrested marketers were identified as Mrs. Comfort Muyijimi, Mrs. Olamojuba Favour and Mr. Abiola Ajibola.
The loaders included one Mr. Ejigwa Austin, Muhideen Jimoh, Azeez Yusuf, Oluwafemi Koleola, Zachaeus Edward, Emmanuel John, Fasonu Olusegun, Adekunle Alex, Uchehna Ani, Ezenwata Michael, Abayomi Olubobade, Azeez Abdullahi, Akintunde Samuel and Okewale Oluwaseun.
Drivers arrested include Temisan Oyewole, Ayodele Benjamin, Saheed Wasiu, Akeem Adekola, Surajudeen Bamidele, Adeosun Wosu and Chinonso Ojimadu.
Others are Ibikunle Michalle, Gbadebo Adewunmi, Afolabi Sunday , Ola Oluwagbemiga and Ibikunle Niyi.
When contacted, the Command Information Officer, Western Naval Command, Commander Chinwe Umar, said the arrest was in line with the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas.
She said the CNS directive as contained in his strategic guidance tilts towards clamping down maritime crime and criminals.
Umar said the arrests were also part of the WNC Flag Officer Commanding, Rear Admiral Slyvanus Abbah, and sustained effort in fulfilling the strategic guidance of the naval authorities.
The Commanding Officer, FOB Igbokoda, Captain Sabo Lengaya, who led the team said the suspects were arrested during a routine patrol of Igbokoda/Okitipupa road.
He said, “Our patrol team intercepted a convoy of vehicles along Igbokoda/Okitipupa road and in the course of searching the vehicles, it was discovered that some were carrying illegally refined kerosene in 30 liters jerrycans, while some jerrycans were empty.
“Further investigation revealed that they came from the creeks by boats and loaded at Ugbonla jetty. The vehicles with empty jerrycans were equally heading to the same jetty to load.
“Subsequent attempt to arrest those at the jetty proved unsuccessful as the jetties were deserted at the time our patrol team arrived.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the products lacked the necessary documentation relating to its source and relevant approvals. Also physical examination showed that the products were illegally refined kerosene.
“In addition, facts on ground also showed that the suspects were not licensed to deal in petroleum products.
“Consequently, 32 suspects including 30 males and two females were arrested. We recovered 370 of 30 litters’ jerrycans totaling 11,100 liters, as well as 1,139 empty jerrycans.
“We also recovered 13 vehicles including two buses filled with the illegally refined kerosene, 31 various phones and the sum of N3,199,000.â€
In furtherance with investigation and prosecution of the case, the navy wednesday handed over the suspects and all seized items to the Area Commander, Okitipupa, after approval from naval authorities.
The handing over was done with a clause to keep the navy updated with the progress of investigation.
