Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has arrested a trader, John Gere, and his wife, Queen Gere, as well as three others for alleged pipeline vandalism.
“They were arrested in Epe and they even attacked some of the officers who went for the raid. We recovered from them more than 20 kegs of petrol. They will be charged to court and the exhibit will be handed over to either the police, court or Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation as the case may be.”
The Commandant General, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of operations, Mr. Evans Ewurum, told newsmen.
The suspects, however, denied being pipeline vandals, saying that they were arrested unjustly by overzealous NSCDC operatives.
One of the suspects, Favour Egboh, said, “I live at Temu Village, Epe and I buy diesel from trailers. The trailers I buy diesel from do not have company names written on them. I went into this business because of my condition.
“I have three children and no husband. I’m presently suffering from diabetes and I have my medicine here with me. I went to buy my medicine from a chemist nearby and they arrested me on my way back.”
Asked how much she sold diesel, she said, “I buy it at the rate of N3,500 for 30 litres and sell it for N4,000 naira or N3,750. I buy 50 litres for N7,000 and sell for N7,500. I use the money I get from my business to take care of my three children.
on her part, Queen Gere however denied complicity, saying that she was arrested by the operatives when she came to secure Egboh’s release.
“I don’t sell diesel. I sell spirits and I don’t even live in Epe. My sister (Egboh) sells diesel. I went to plead that she should be released and they arrested me too,” she said.
Queen’s husband corroborated her story, saying he was also arrested after his wife called him to secure her release. He said he was not a pipeline vandal and urged the operatives to release him.
He said, “I stay at Ishala. I sell spirits. I went to buy a large quantity of spirits in a drum when my wife called me that her sister was arrested. I rushed down to the place. My wife said she came out and met with the civil defence officials and they arrested her. They asked if I was the husband and they arrested me when I said ‘yes.’
“My vehicle was attacked by armed robbers on Wednesday and my boys that were in it were injured. I have not even found the vehicle and these people have come to inflict on me more pains.”
It seems Civil Defence is now copying Nigeria Police who arrest innocent Nigetians and parade them as criminals. Thats what i make out of this story o
ReplyDeleteThe reason they r risking their lives and tapping fuel frm pipelines is becos of the inhuman conditions CORRUPT polticians have placed on these ppl.They r hungry and some have starved to death!
ReplyDeleteDo u want them to starve? D little money frm this business they make corrupt policemen will take it frm dem.
Why r nigerians not doing something to show that they have had enough?
This is ridiculous.
Anon 6.17 !why shld u say such?from this story it seems all these are innocent of the accusation.I think we should all join hands to see to their vindication.after all they all have ,now left in hands of whoever knows. Please let us have feelings of pity. It could be you or even your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThey should go and arrest the real crimal, the POLITICIANS, POLICE, JUDGES,CUSTOM OFFICERS AND SO ON, and should leave this poor people alone. It it were to be true, how can a criminal of car to somewhere to arrest a criminal of Bicycle. They should only advise them to stop put their life in danger with somethings else to do.
ReplyDeleteYeye police harassining innocent people.Why not they arrest d politicians that are looting d wealth of the country.Useless police.They are just disturbing poor families struggling 4 survival.
ReplyDeleteMy pple ! I pity ds inocent citizen, I dnt like havn issues wif d police they ar d greatest criminals. Yeye police
ReplyDeleteThey should go and arrest the real oil oles if they born them well
ReplyDelete