10 suspected high sea pipeline vandals, oil thieves sent to prison

No fewer than 10 men, who allegedly tampered with oil pipelines belonging to NNPCL to transport petroleum products, have been remanded in prison in Lagos

A Federal High Court ordered that the alleged pipeline vandals be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS) till September 27, 2023 when their bail applications will be heard.

Justice Akintoye Aluko gave the order following their arraignment by the Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps (NCDSC).

The 10 men are: Adewale Abisoye, Oliver Sena, Wisdom Michael, Jonah Alari, Dafe Empire, Raphael Kumake, Asukwo Okonabia, Oyekan Fatia, Peter John and Isiaka Dosa.

They are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy, willfully tamper with pipelines and unlawful authority to transport petroleum products.

The counsel to the NCDSC, Mrs Okandeji Erute, told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired to commit the offences in the wee-hours of August 20, 2023.

She told the court that the defendants vandalized a pipelines belonging to NNPCL/SPM on the high sea in Lagos.

The offences contravened Section 3(6) and 1(7)(a)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences AP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 1(7)(b) of Miscellaneous Offences Act, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their “not-guilty” plea, Okandeji asked the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendants in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service.

But counsel to the defendants, Mr A. A. Omiunu told the court that he would file a “bail summon” and pleaded with the court for a short adjournment.

September 27, 2023, has been fixed for hearing of bail applications.