The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, has apprehended a truck driver, Afeez Adegbola, employed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for allegedly diverting 10,000 litres of petrol that was intended for the company.
The arrest took place after officers received a tip-off regarding the diversion.
State Commandant Mr. Igbalawole Sotiyo made the announcement during a parade of the suspect and his two motor boys on Saturday in Osogbo.
He explained that the suspects were taken into custody on Friday at approximately 8:21 p.m. while in possession of the NNPCL truck.
According to Sotiyo, Adegbola had loaded 40,000 litres of petrol at the Pinnacle Distribution Depot in Eleko, Lagos State.
The waybill indicated that the product was scheduled for delivery to the NNPCL Mega Station in Osogbo. However, upon tracking the truck, with registration number AGG 959 XA, NSCDC officers discovered that only 30,000 litres were actually delivered to the filling station.
The commandant reported that the driver was caught in the act of discharging the remaining 10,000 litres at TEMPOLA filling station in Ikirun, located in the Ifelodun Local Government area.
“The suspects confessed that all 40,000 litres were meant for the NNPCL Mega Station in Osogbo,” Sotiyo noted, adding that the driver claimed he was directed by his company to deliver only 30,000 litres, with the remaining 10,000 litres diverted to a private filling station in Ikirun.
Sotiyo condemned the act, labeling it as economic sabotage and theft. “It is an act of sabotage and stealing against the state. They are saboteurs and anti-state,” he asserted.
He further cautioned all stakeholders involved in the distribution of petroleum products nationwide that anyone caught undermining government efforts would face apprehension and prosecution.
The commandant also urged NNPCL managers and supervisors across the country to collaborate with the NSCDC to ensure that saboteurs are held accountable.
Emphasizing his new leadership role, Sotiyo stated, “I want to inform the good people of Osun State that there is a new Sheriff in town. It is no more business as usual; therefore, all criminally minded individuals in the state must change their ways or be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.”
He assured that following the completion of investigations, the suspects would be charged in court.
