Oil Theft: NSCDC Arrests 3 Suspects With Adulterated Diesel In Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reported the apprehension of three individuals in possession of 180 bags of tainted Diesel, commonly referred to as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), hidden within kernel shells.

This was contained in a statement signed by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in the State, Mr Friday Ekerete, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Uyo.

According to the statement the three suspects were arrested on 17th  and 19th days of March 2024 along Calabar-Itu Highway by men of NSCDC Anti-vandal  squad.

The statement reads, “In furtherance of the marching order to crack down on oil theft, and all forms of illegalities in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, the Akwa Ibom State Command of NSCDC has intensified its operations against vandals in the State.

“On March 17,  Men of NSCDC Anti-vandal Squad at our checkpoint along Calabar-Itu highway apprehended two suspects conveying 100 bags of suspected adulterated automotive Gas Oil AGO (Diesel) in an open bucket trailer with Reg. No. FGE 680 ZS.

“The petroleum products were concealed with palm kernel shells to beat security intelligence.  However, luck ran out on them, when our personnel insisted on due diligence which led to the discovery.   

 “Similarly on March 19, another open bucket trailer with Reg. No. BB 825 XX loaded with about 80 cellophane bags of AGO (25 litres each) and concealed with palm kernel shells was impounded and one suspect arrested along Calabar-Itu highway.

“The AGO from preliminary forensic test is an Adulterated product. The suspects Musa Shehu(29), Babayo Mohammed (25), and Ibrahim Mohammed (17) are currently undergoing investigation and have volunteered some useful statements.

“Attempts to establish where the products originated from has been futile. Efforts are still on to identify their masters as the corps intensifies its fight against this act of economic sabotage”

The statement stressed that the command has concluded investigation in the case of two suspects arrested by the Nigerian Navy with 17 drums of Petrol on February 22, 2024 in Mbo Local government area, noting that the suspects would be charged to court without further delay.

It added that four persons were arrested for miscellaneous offences noting, “In another development, personnel of the Corps arrested one Godwin Essang  on March 15 at the Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue for criminal trespass, fraud and impersonation as a Police Officer.

“The suspect verbally threatened and forcefully collected the sum of N10,000.00 from one Blessing Sunday Obot in the evening of Thursday, March 14.

“The suspect harassed the victim who was having a driving lesson at the Unity Park and asked to be paid N100, 000.00 or he will arrest them.

“He collected N10, 000 after the victim pleaded extensively. Thereafter the victim lodged a complaint which led to the arrest of the suspect”