Court docks four over pipeline vandalism

FOUR men were Thursday remanded in Ikoyi Prisons on the orders of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, over charges of oil pipeline vandalism.

The accused persons, Wale Onana (43), Owekwere Olusor (22), Yaya Edimini (26) and Chuke Isoju (24) were arraigned by the Nigeria Police.

They, as a result, are standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on stealing, unlawful possession, sale and vandalism of oil pipeline.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Abang ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody since no bail application had been filed on their behalf.

Police prosecutor, Mr. Justin Enang, told the court that the accused, all residents in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, committed the alleged offence on January 23.

He said they were apprehended by the police at about 5.30 in Arepo, Ogun State, for allegedly tampering with an oil pipeline in the locality.

According to Enang, about 600 litres of petrol was recovered from the accused valued at N58,200.

He said the alleged offence contravened the provisions of sections 7 (a) (b) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, as well as Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004.

The court, however, adjourned hearing to June 6.