The Imo State command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has paraded suspects over petroleum bunkering related offences.
Among the suspects paraded by the command included one Ibrahim Barayo, a Dangote truck driver who concealed eight drums of the illegally refined petroleum products known as bunkering in the truck which was headed to Gombe from Port Harcourt.
Narrating his story, Ibrahim said, “I was carrying salt from Port Harcourt when one Ibrahim approached me that he has load to Asaba. He assured me that it was not bunkry and we bargained N5000 for each drum. If I knew that it was bunkry I wouldn’t have carried it”.
Other suspects paraded included, 32 years old Obinna Uba who hails from Mbaitoli who had ninedrums arranged in their professional way in nylon bags and loaded in a Ford van. He claimed not to know that it was illegal business since he bought it with his money from villagers in Rivers community who engages in the activities as a means of livelihood.
Anothe suspect, 36 years old Ifeanyi Onyekwere had five drums of illegally refined diesel arranged in the same manner and loaded in a Toyota Avalon Saloon car. He admitted knowing that the business was illegal and against the law but claimed lack of jobs pushed him and others into the business.
Also another suspect, Chukwuebuka Olumba had about four drums of illegally refined petroleum products arranged in the same professional way and loaded in a Toyota Camry saloon car.
Briefing newsmen over the incidents, the Imo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Rabiu Ibrahim Adedoyin said the arrests were made possible by the synergy between the Civil Defence, Army, and other security agencies in the state.
He made it clear that some of the suspects where arrested by army officers and handed over to the Civil Defence, some were directly arrested by his men while others were through joint operations.
He informed that investigations into the crimes had been completed and that the suspects will be arraigned before Federal High Court for prosecution.
The commandant declared that there was no escape route or hiding place for bunkers, adulterators and other illegal dealers on petroleum products.
He used the opportunity to commend the state Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha for the seriousness which he attaches to the security of lives and property of Imo citizens and said the security agents have been well equipped to ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New year celebrations in the state.
By Jennifer John
