The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State has arrested Afeez Adegbola, a truck driver for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for allegedly diverting 10,000 liters of petrol. The NSCDC Commandant in the state,Mr. Igbalawole Sotiyo, revealed the arrest during a press briefing on Saturday in Osogbo. The suspects, including Adegbola’s two motor boys, were apprehended on Friday at approximately 8:21 p.m. while operating the NNPCL truck,he added. According to Sotiyo, Adegbola has loaded 40,000 liters of petrol at Pinnacle Distribution Depot in Eleko, Lagos State, with the intent to deliver it to the NNPCL Mega Station in Osogbo. However, following a tip-off, NSCDC officers tracked the truck, registration number AGG 959 XA, and found that only 30,000 liters had been delivered. The NSCDC boss in the state further journalists that the driver was arrested while offloading the remaining 10,000 liters at TEMPOLA filling station in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area. In a confession, Adegbola stated that the full load was initially meant for the NNPCL Mega Station. Sotiyo condemned the act as economic sabotage and theft, emphasizing, “This is an act against the state. We will not tolerate such behavior.” He urged stakeholders in petroleum distribution to collaborate with NSCDC to prevent similar incidents, warning that anyone caught undermining government efforts would face legal consequences. Sotiyo, a new commandant, assured the people of Osun State that stricter measures are now in place to combat criminal activity, stating. “This is not business as usual. Those with criminal intent must reconsider their actions or prepare to face the law,”he warned. The suspects are expected to be charged in court following the completion of the investigation.(NAN).
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
