Anambra State Commandant, of the Nigeria security and civil defence corps NSCDC, Edwin Osuala, announced that six suspects seized by personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Onitsha Outpos have been handed over to them.
The suspects has been taken to the NSCDC headquarters for further investigation and prosecution in court.
This was revealed in a press statement issued by the state Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Okadigbo Edwin, on Tuesday.
The statement read,
“On the 03/11/2023, at about 06:00hrs, one Ugwu Donatus ‘m’ aged 57yrs, Chukwudi Eke ‘m’ aged 52yrs and one Nwabueze Daniel ‘m’ aged 30yrs respectively, were arrested along Atani Road, Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State while conveying 70 sack bags of petroleum products, estimated about 3,500 litres of suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil in a white Nissan vehicle with registration no: Enugu ENU 391 XX.
“Similarly, on November 7, 2023, at about 13:00hrs, one Chinedu Okafor ‘m’ aged 32yrs, Abu Galaddima ‘m’ aged 42yrs, and Rishamah Abbass ‘m’ aged 29yrs, respectively were arrested within Odekpe Community in Ogbaru LGA with two white J5 Vans with registration nos: Anambra XA 929 ZBL and Anambra AWK 776 YZ and laden with 100 sack bags of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil estimated to be about 5,000 litres.”
He also disclosed that preliminary investigations carried out suggested that the products loaded at Osssamala Community in Ogbaru LGA were headed to Upper Iweka before their final destination.
He also explained that one Emeka who is alleged to be the owner of the products is currently at large, adding that sustained monitoring is in place to arrest him.
The NSCDC command boss said all the arrested suspects are assisting the command with useful information that will help in arresting their accomplices.
He, however, lauded the Navy for the arrest saying that the synergy between the NSCDC and the Navy had yielded many results in the fight against economic crimes in the country.
Morenikeji Adedayo is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
