 |
| The-suspected-vandals |
Members of a gang of pipeline vandals, who were recently arrested in Akaraba, Epe, Lagos State by the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism, have said they contributed N550,000 to bribe policemen on duty so that their operation could be successful.
The suspects, Fufo Soglo, a Ghanaian, and three Beninoise, Christopeher Suso, Matilda Idowu and Yovo Itoh, were arrested on May 24, 2013, while presenting the bribe to the policemen to enable them to steal petrol unhindered.
Idowu, who claimed to be 50 years old, said apart from members of the gang, other members of the community had contributed money.
She confessed that she was appointed as the treasurer of the gang and her role was to gather the contribution by members of the community who were interested in participating in an upcoming operation.
She said, “In recent times, it is difficult to work (vandalise pipeline) without interference from the police. One of our members, Chukwuma, called me to gather money from members of the community and that Chike, our leader wanted to bribe security operatives, so that we could operate freely. I was able to collect N50,000 each from some of our members but I contributed N20,000 to the cause.
“As soon as I collated the money, I called Chike who said I should hand over the money to Chukwuma.
When I called Chukwuma, he asked me to bring the money to the police tent at Atlas Cove saying that their boss was waiting for it. I told him the amount with me and he was angry. He said the agreement was N1m.
“I told him that I could not force people to contribute money as some interested ones asked for more time to pay. He then told me to bring whatever I had with me. I went to give him the money at the police tent when I was arrested.”
Idowu said pipeline vandalism had become a lifeline for members of the community due to poverty.
She said she was a fish dealer but had taken to crime because she could no longer fend for her six children.
She said, “I sell smoked fish but things have been bad since I have six children with no husband. When I was introduced to this business, I saw it as a way to make ends meet. Normally we would contribute money to enable Chike to ensure that the security operatives would allow us to function.
“I thought it was business as usual. Although I was surprised when Chukwuma said I should come to the police tent at Atlas Cove to deliver the money. I promise to go back to my legitimate business if I am allowed to go home. It is unfortunate that our leader, Chike, has abandoned us.”
Another suspect, Itoh, claimed to be a palm wine tapper, adding that he was doing his usual business when he was arrested along with the other suspects. He said he knew nothing about the illegitimate business.
Friday Ibadin, who is in charge of the task force, said the suspects were arrested with valves that had 12 different holes connected to it.
“With this kind of technology, these vandals can siphon over 50,000 litres in less than 30 minutes,” he said.
On how they were arrested, he said, “One of their members contacted the police on the possibility of allowing vandals to vandalise NNPC pipeline without arrest. Policemen led by Sector Commander, Lagos, Onaghise Osayande, a deputy superintendent of police, played along with them and got four of them arrested while they were about to hand over the money.
“Meanwhile, we are working with the village heads to sort out those members of the community who are actually in the business and prosecute them accordingly.”
Source:naijaurban
No comments:
Post a Comment