area of Ogun state. Salami Amodu, 65, Bruce Ekonen, Joseph
Ofoeyeno, Francis Ode, Bruce Ekonen and Kola Ifatoye were
arrested with about 100 gallons of Premium Motor Spirit
(PMS). They allegedly vandalized Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline at Idimagboro.
Activity at a vandalised oil pipe
Salami Amodu, 65, who was, along with others arrested by
operatives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Special
Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism Unit, had this to say:
"I was on my way home when a man, popularly known as
Alfa, stopped me. He promised to pay me N5000 per trip if I
can help him to carry 10 gallons of liquid. I thought it was
water, so I did not bother to ask, since it's a good business. It
is possible that the water could be anointed since he was ready
to pay as much as N5000.
"It was while we were on our way that I started to perceive
the odour of fuel. I asked him and he told me that it was fuel.
I was so annoyed and I shouted at him for not telling me in
the first place what was in the gallons. Initially, I wanted to
stop the car and ask him to off load the vehicle, but when I
realized that we were almost close to his destination, I decided
to continue. I am aware that vandals normally pass through
that route that was why I was very angry with him.
"In that area, people go for prayers. Clerics come to that area
to buy holy water to perform miracle. Most of the times when
I am done with the day's job, especially if I did not make
much money, I will go down to the bush area to see if there is
anyone who needs lift. I also ensure that I do not carry
vandals because those days when I used to help them, it
landed me into trouble with security men. Although, there is
money to make in that business but the risk is much. This was
why I stopped a long time ago till Alfa deceived me into
carrying fuel for him.
"I am very sorry. It is of no use denying that I was not
involved because I was caught with the product. Life has been
unfair to me if not, at this age, why should I be hustling for
money to feed and take care of my family. I am very sorry."
Another suspect, Joseph Ofoeyeno, claimed that his duty was
just to transport the stolen products from the bush to the
buyers:
"Initially I was buying directly from NNPC staff close to the
depot. Normally, NNPC staff will overload their trucks and
sell the excess to us before preceding to off- load the rest for
the buyer. The place was however shot down when there was
a fire outbreak. I had no choice than to patronize these
vandals. I am sorry and I wish NNPC will be allowing those
their truck drivers to carry excess."
Bruce Ekonen stated he actually went to the bush to see a
cleric for the gift of the fruit of the womb: "I have been
married for the past 8 years and my wife has not been able to
conceive. I have tried my hands on different women outside
but none has ever returned with the good news that she is
pregnant.
"I was actually on my way when I saw Francis and asked him
for a lift. We were on our way to town when the police
arrested us. I was looking for the fruit of the womb not stolen
fuel. I was even advising Francis to stay away from illegal
business of selling stolen product when the police arrested
us."
Confirming the arrest, Assistant Commissioner of Police,
Friday Ibadin, who is in charge of the Task Force, said,
"Detectives led by Sector Commander, Lagos, DSP Onaghise
Osayande, laid ambush and nabbed these suspected vandals. It
is worthy to remind Nigerians that ignorance is not an excuse.
Both the seller and buyer of stolen products are liable.
Meanwhile, the suspects would soon be arraigned in court at
the end of investigation."
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