Oil Thieves Arrested In Ogun Confess Complicity Of Police Seargent

Arrested oil thieves paraded
Arrested oil thieves paraded

28 thieves, including a woman, who specialised in siphoning fuel from pipelines owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC were yesterday arrested by the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The suspects, who operate in Ogere area of Remo North local government area of Ogun state were paraded before newsmen.

Monday Bitrus, Umar and Salisu confessed that they were working for some Mobile Policemen at Ogere town and they were paid between N5,000-N10,000 for siphoning fuel into a number of jerry cans.

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“one, Sgt. Aremu used to give me sometimes N5000 for getting five jerry cans and he will secure the road for us. I know his house and family,” Monday confessed.

Leading newsmen to the scene of the vandalization, Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigdr. General D.D. Ahamdu said the damaged pipeline used to steal the petroleum product is the one supplying the NNPC depot at Mosinmi, Sagamu. The depot feeds the entire South West of Nigeria.

A total of 363 jerrycans were found at the scene filled with at least 25 litres of fuel each. Seven vehicles and 200m cable hose used to siphon the product were also recovered along with the jerrycans.

Ahmadu said the Brigade will embark on thorough investigations before handing over to the appropriate security agency.