Police arrest 3 suspected pipeline vandals in Edo

The Edo state Police Command, has arrested 3 suspected pipeline vandals in Obazagbon community of Orhiomwon Local Government Area of the state.

The alleged suspects include Jackson Aluche, aged 45; Oke Okoro, aged 30; and Oluchukwu Chukwuma, aged 18.

The report gathered that the incident happened on April 14 at about 10:30 a.m.

When contacted by our correspondent, Chidi Nwabuzor, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident.

He added that the suspects were caught siphoning crude oil and smashing a PAN Ocean Oil Corporation pipeline.

Nwabuzor noted that the suspects admitted to the crime, claiming that one Doctor had hired them to carry out the deed and that they would be charged with court charges.

“On April 14, 2024, at about 1030 a.m., the operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, while acting on credible intelligence, arrested three suspects, namely, Jackson Aluche, 45 years old; Oke Okoro, 30 years old; and Oluchukwu Chukwuma, 18 years old, at Obazagbon community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State, He said.

“They were caught breaking a crude oil pipeline for Pan Ocean Oil Corporation and siphoning crude oil. The suspects made statements and confessed to the crime, saying that they were employed by AKA Doctor to carry out the act. Suspects will soon be charged in court.”

There was report last month by the operatives of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had arrested 4 suspected pipeline vandals.

In Obawole, Fagba, Lagos State, the 4 suspects were allegedly trying to breach the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited pipeline.