Tina Amanda
The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says it has secured the arrest of two suspects in connection with diversion and dealing in petroleum products without an appropriate licence in the state.
A statement by the Spokesperson for the Command, DSC Olufemi Ayodele said that the State Commandant, Abu Abdu Tambuwal has also taken delivery of 17 other suspects and 6 wooden boats, intercepted and arrested by the Nigerian Navy on waterways for oil bunkering activities.
The statement said Tambuwal “decried the defiant behaviour of individuals dealing illegally in petroleum products and sabotaging the nation’s economy thereby contravening the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2004 Laws of the Federation, the Anti Sabotage Act, the Petroleum Act and its regulation.”
Ayodele said the suspects were arrested “through sustained Intelligence indicating that a group of oil dealers were transporting petroleum products through border states to neighbouring countries; thus the command’s Antivandal border patrol team swung into action and effected the arrests of Nwachi Emmanuel (M) of No 100 Umunna Afikpo North road, Ebonyi State and Chukwudi Obi (M) 52years of No 7 Okwuonu Street, Aba, Abia State.”
He added that a 50,000-litre capacity truck with registration number Abia EZA 850 YF in the conveyance of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was retrieved from the suspects.
The statement added that “Consequently, 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 suspects and 6 wooden Boats were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Rivers State Command by the Nigerian Navy Ship PATHFINDER in Port Harcourt.
“As at the time of the handing and taking over, 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 currently 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.
“Hence, in the interest of the good people of Rivers State, the PMS will be returned and discharged at Omo Wealth Station to prevent fuel scarcity in Port Harcourt.”.
