Court Arraigns Nine For Oil Pipeline Vandalisation

Nine persons among them a Boat Driver, who allegedly tampered with oil pipeline along Opobo/Bonny River in Rivers State were arraigned before a Port Harcourt magistrate court.

The accused persons, Gift Pigite (45), Prince Clinton (21) Stephen Tolofari (31), Iyalla Tolofari (29) and Morris Osuyori (32).

Others were Festus Appolos (39), John Arubi (33), Tobaya Christian (20) and Philip Philip (23).

The accused are standing trial before 1.0 Agbesor Esq, Chief Magistrate court 3 on a four count charges of stealing, conspiracy, damage as well as tampering with oil pipeline.

The Police Prosecuting Officer, Sgt Johnbull Owuna, said the accused persons on April 15, 2011 along Opobo/Bonny River in the Port Harcourt Magisterial District did conspire among themselves willfully and unlawfully broke, damaged and tampered with oil pipeline meant for transportation of crude oil.

The police disclosed that the offence committed by the accused persons contravened sections 3,(6), 1(7) (a)(b) of miscellaneous offences Act. Cap m17, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2009.

The defence lawyer to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth accused persons, Barr. O.N. Odeebe applied for their bail on the ground that the offence is a bailable one.

Ruling on the bail applications, presiding magistrate, .I. O. Agbesor refused the bail application on the ground that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the matter.

He advised the defense counsel to apply to a higher court for their bail and directed the police prosecutor, Sgt Johnbull Owuna to send the original case file to Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

The case was adjourned to July 11, 2011.