‘The suspects have been in the illicit business of dealing in petroleum products without a license’
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command has arrested two suspected illegal petroleum dealers along Enugu-Onitsha express way, Awka, the state capital.
Public Relations Officer, Okadigbo Edwin who disclosed this in a statement, said the suspects were arrested by newly reconstituted Anti-Vandalism Squad of the Command through coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.
He said the suspects were conveying 50,000 litres of petroleum product suspected to be adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), popularly known as diesel to an undisclosed location when they were apprehended.
He said, “The newly reconstituted Anti- Vandalism Squad of the Command headed by CSC Chinweze Chinenye on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at about 2100hrs intercepted the said truck with registeration number: MKA 806 ZF loaded with suspected Illegally Refined Petroleum Product AGO (diesel) along Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Awka.
“The truck was intercepted with the two suspects, one Samuel Ifeanyichukwu Oduche, aged 39 of Ndiagu Amechi Awkunanaw and one Njoku Emeka Agu aged 35 of Oduma, Aninri Local Government Area, both of Enugu State on board.
“The suspects volunteered confessional statements admitting their involvement in Illegal dealings on Petroleum Products while pleading for mercy.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects have been in the illicit business of dealing in petroleum products without a license.
“Consequently, the State Commandant, Isidore Chikere has ordered the intelligence and Investigation department to conduct discreet investigations, at the end of which both suspects will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution.
While restating Corps commitment towards protecting nation’s oil and gas investments and other critical infrastructures, State Commandant Chikere maintained that the command under his watch would not relent on the Corps mandate of protecting government critical assets and infrastructure from vandalism.
“The constant vandalism of Pipelines, destruction of oil and gas facilities and illegal oil bunkering in the country is of great concern to the Commandant-General of NSCDC , Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni,.
“This criminal act is worrisome because of the consequences of economic hardship, damage to public infrastructures, and loss of Government huge revenue in the oil sector. In view of the above, the CG has tasked us to reorganized and empower the Anti-Vandalism Squad to decisively tackle these menace which has started yeilding the desired results.
“I want to reassure members of the public that the command would not give those engaging in this heinous crimes any breathing space to operate in the state” he reiterated.
The NSCDC State helmsman while appreciating members of the public for their support to NSCDC called on them never to relent in giving out useful information in the fight against criminal activities and illegal dealings on petroleum products.
