NSCDC Arrests Two Suspects Over Illegal Oil Dealings, Diversion

The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, Mr Abu Abdu Tambuwal, has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with diversion and illegal dealings in petroleum products without required licence.
Tambuwal made this known via a statement by the Rivers State Corps Public Relations Officer, DSC Olufemi Ayodele and made available to the press in Port Harcourt.
The Command also took delivery of 17 suspects and six wooden boats intercepted and arrested by the Nigerian Navy on waterways for illegal oil bunkering activities during routine patrols.
The Rivers State Civil Defence boss, who decried the defiant behaviour of individuals dealing illegally in petroleum products and sabotaging the nation’s economy, said that they contravened the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2004 Laws of the federation.
Other laws contravened according to the statement, include the Anti Sabotage Act, the Petroleum Act and its regulation.
It was revealed that the arrest of the suspects was made possible through sustained Intelligence which indicated that a group of oil dealers were transporting petroleum products through Border States to neighbouring countries.
“The command’s Antivandal border patrol team swung into action and effected the arrests of Nwachi Emmanuel, 49 years of No 100 Umunna Road, Afikpo North, Ebonyi State and Chukwudi Obi, 52years of No 7 Okwuonu Street, Aba, Abia State”, it said.
The statement further hinted how a credible and sustained intelligence revealed the operations of some illegal oil dealers who diverted petroleum products via neighbouring states with Rivers State .
“They channel the products to neighbouring countries; the anti-vandal border patrol team swung into action and impounded a Blue and white colour 50,000 litres capacity Truck with registration number Abia EZA 850 YF in conveyance of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called Petrol”, it added.
From the statements volunteered under caution by the suspects, it was gathered that the suspected truck took off from Conoil Depot at Ibeto road in Port Harcourt where the product was claimed to have been loaded.
Meanwhile, preliminary investigations report showed that the product’s waybill stated that the product was to be delivered at Omo Wealth in Ikwerre Local Government, Rivers state, which the suspects claimed otherwise.
In line with the dictates of the Harmonized Standard Operating Procedures on arrests, detention and prosecution of vessels and persons in Nigeria’s maritime environment HSOP-ADP 2016,17 the suspects and six wooden boats were handed over to the command by the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder in Port Harcourt.
As at the time of the handing over and take over exercise, the arrested boats were loaded with unspecified quantities of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and kerosene wrapped in cellophane bags and coated with sacks.
“Investigation is ongoing and at its expiration, the suspects would definitely be charged to court accordingly. It is quite despicable that in spite of the fact that the government is committed to preventing fuel scarcity, some economic saboteurs are busy diverting the product in order to suffer Nigerians”, it said.
The statement further hinted that the seized petroleum product will be released to Omo Wealth Station to prevent fuel scarcity in the state.
“Our commitment to fighting vandalism of oil pipelines, oil bunkering, oil theft and unlawful dealings in petroleum products remains firm and resilient. The Command marine forces are working assiduously in synergy with the Nigerian Navy to combat all criminalities on the waterways and we will not be deterred in anyway….said Tambuwal”, he said.

By: King Onunwor