Operatives of the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested a tanker driver for allegedly diverting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for the NNPC mega station in Osogbo, Osun State.
The suspect, Afeez Adegbola, 47, was apprehended on Friday night in Ikirun while attempting to offload the fuel into the reserve tank of an independent filling station on the outskirts of the state capital.
According to the Osun State NSCDC Commandant, Sotiyo Igbalawole, Adegbola had initially loaded 40,000 litres of petrol for delivery to the NNPC mega station.
However, he allegedly delivered only 30,000 litres to the intended destination, diverting the remaining 10,000 litres to the other station.
The NSCDC stated that the arrest demonstrates its commitment to curbing fuel diversion and hoarding, which contribute to artificial fuel scarcity.
He said, “The tanker driver, Afeez Adegbola and his motor boys loaded 40,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit at Pinnacle Distribution Depot in Eleko, Lagos state and the waybill indicated that the product should be delivered at NNPC, Osogbo Mega station, Osun state.
“Following a tip off from members of the public, my men trailed the tanker and discovered that only 30, 000liters were delivered at the NNPC filling station, while the driver was caught in the act of discharging the remaining 10, 000litres at one TEMPOLA filling station, Ikirun and was arrested by NSCDC personnel.
“The suspects made a confessional statement that the whole content of 40, 000 was meant to be delivered at NNPC Mega Station but was directed by his company to deliver only 30,000 while the remaining 10,000 was taken to a private filling station at Ikirun.”
He added that the suspects committee, contrary to sections 1 (a & b) of the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act, Cap P12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 and punishable under Section 2 of the same Act.
While disclosing that the suspects would be charged to court after a thorough investigation to face the full wrath of the law, he charged stakeholders in the distribution of petroleum products nationwide to steer clear acts of sabotage as the corps would not hesitate to arrest anyone caught in the act.
“NSCDC uses this medium to request NNPCL Managers/Supervisors nationwide to work with the NSCDC to ensure saboteurs are brought to justice,” he added.
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