3 Nabbed For Vandalising NNPC Pipelines To Siphon Petrol In Lagos

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Three suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested and arraigned before a Lagos court for allegedly vandalising the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC pipelines to siphon petroleum products in Lagos.

The incident happened at Mosan in Ipaja area where the pipelines were located. The suspects Matthew Odunfa, 47, Yusuf Okoos were arrested during the act in the night.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the police also recovered two generators, shovels, jerry cans and other items. They were presented as exhibits before the court.

It was gathered that the four suspects went to the pipelines with the recovered items and were digging the ground where the pipes were laid before the police arrested them. However, two of the suspects reportedly escaped and were said to be at large now.

They were charged before Ikeja Magistrates court for felony, conspiracy and vandalisation of the pipelines to siphon NNPC products under the Criminal Code. They pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mrs O.A. Layinka ordered them to be remanded in prison custody. The matter was adjourned till 5th of December, 2017.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that Ipaja area has been a haven for pipeline vandalisation as several pipes have been tempered with in the area. It was gathered that NNPC had been spending huge sums of money for security in the area, yet the vandals seemed to be daring the security men guarding the area.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the suspects moved through the river line to perpetrate the act which has been described as economic sabotage.