Osun NSCDC nabs NNPCL truck driver for diversion and theft of PMS

The Osun Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, has arrested a truck driver of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Afeez Adegbola, on charges of diverting 10,000 liters of petrol meant for the company.

The arrest of the suspect, Adebola and his two biker boys, was announced by the Osun NSCDC Commander, Igbalawole Sotiyo, during a public parade in Osogbo on Saturday.

According to Sotiyo, the arrest took place around 8:21 PM on Friday after a tip.

The Osun NSCDC boss revealed that Adegbola loaded 40,000 liters of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, at Pinnacle Distribution Depot in Eleko, Lagos, with instructions to deliver the fuel to the NNPCL Mega Station in Osogbo.

He, however, said that during the surveillance, NSCDC operatives tracked the truck, registered as AGG 959 Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The suspects reportedly admitted that the entire load of 40,000 liters was meant for the Osogbo NNPCL station, but claimed that their company instructed them to offload 10,000 liters at the private station.

Sotiyo condemned the action, describing it as economic sabotage and theft.

He also urged stakeholders in the petroleum distribution industry not to engage in such practices.

He called on NNPCL managers across the country to work with the NSCDC to prevent similar incidents, adding that those involved in product diversion would be brought to justice.

He said: “It is an act of sabotage and theft against the state. They are saboteurs and anti-state agents.

“NSCDC is using this medium to warn all stakeholders involved in the distribution of petroleum products across the country that anyone found sabotaging the government will be apprehended and prosecuted.

“NSCDC is using this medium to appeal to NNPCL managers/supervisors across the country to work with the NSCDC to ensure that saboteurs are brought to justice,” he said.

Sotiyo also warned criminal elements in the state.

“I wish to inform the good people of Osun State that there is a new sheriff in town.

“It’s no longer ‘business as usual’. Therefore, all criminally minded people in the state must change their minds or be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.”

“After the investigation,” Sotiyo revealed, “the suspects will be brought to justice.”