TCNews

By Our Reporter

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Abia State Command, have arrested six suspects for their alleged involvement in illegal dealing in petroleum products.

Parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia, the State Commandant, CC Paul Igwebuike said that the six suspects were arrested at Gass Line, by Iheoma, Uratta, Aba, Abia State following a tip off from “Our informants”.

Commandant Igwebuike frowned that the activities of the suspects and their partners in crime constitute economic sabotage against the nation and must not be allowed to foster.

His words, “Although I am just few days in the State, but from the day I assumed duty, I made it clear that our activities will be intelligence driven and it is paying off already.

“We are fully poised to carry out the Corps’ mandates and the zero tolerance directives of the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni OFR against all forms of illegal dealings in petroleum products and vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of government”.

While praising his Men for their gallantry and professionalism which enabled the successful arrest of the suspects, the Abia NSCDC Boss said, “the parading of these suspects today is a strong warning to criminal elements in the state to either turn a new leaf or consider leaving the State as my Command will stop at nothing in our resolve to checkmating their unwholesome activities”.

The Abia NSCDC boss thanked the general public for their support through providing timely information and reiterated that every information received shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.

He equally assured  that upon conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be charged to a Court of competent jurisdiction for diligent prosecution.

Meanwhile, the suspects upon interrogation gave their names as: Tochukwu Onwuzurigbo (48yrs) (M) from Enugu State; Ezechi Emeka (41yrs) (M) from Enugu State; Maduakolam Uzoije (25yrs) (M) from Uratta, Abia State; David Lazarus (24yrs) (M) from Anambra State; Chukwuebuka Onwuzurigbo (18yrs) (M) from Enugu State; and Abuchi Eze (35yrs) (M) also from Enugu State.

According to a release signed by the Superintendent of Corps, SC Ndukwe Agu Egwu, Civil Defence PRO Abia State Command, items recovered from the suspects include a truck with the reg. No. SSM  839 XA, about 42 Drums of petroleum products suspected to be Crude Oil.