Pipeline Vandal Arrested, 214 Jerry Cans Of Fuel Seized

Luck ran out on a gang of six pipeline vandals in the early hours of today when they were arrested by residents of Ijagemo in Iba Local Council Development Area of Lagos state.

However, the six suspected oil thieves managed to escape while 209 (25) litre jerrycans filled with petrol and another five 50 litre cans were seized.

The residents also seized a MAN diesel tipper with Lagos registration number XN 145 JJJ used in smuggling the fuel from the bank of Yewa River in Ijagemo.

P.M.NEWS learnt that the suspects loaded the fuel at the pipeline at Ije-Ododo/Festac axis from where they ferried them through River Yewa to Ijagemo where they loaded the 214 jerrycans into the tipper.

But they were accosted by the residents who chased the tipper up to Oye bus stop. The other accomplices escaped while the driver of the tipper lorry was arrested.

The driver identified himself as Dare Akanni, of 8, Odogbolu Street, Council bus stop, Idimu, in Alimosho area of Lagos.

He claimed that Taofeek is the owner of the tipper lorry; and he resides at Fatoki street, Egan in Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Lagos.

Policemen from Isheri Oshun Division arrived the scene at about 2.30 a.m. today while those of the Area ‘M’ command, Idimu came about 30 minutes later.

The residents later handed over the driver, the tipper lorry loaded with the 214 jerrycans of petrol and two telephones seized from the driver and one of the suspected vandals to the police.

P.M.NEWS learnt that the tipper lorry had been moved to Idimu, headquarters of Area ‘M’ Police Command.

Contacted on phone, the Area Commander, Area ‘M’, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Ibrahim Kaoje, confirmed the incident, adding that the tipper lorry was parked at the premises of the command in Idimu.

—Moyo Fabiyi