JUST IN: Truck Driver Arrested by NSCDC for Diverting 10,000 Litres of Fuel

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, has detained a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) truck driver, Afeez Adegbola, over allegations of diverting 10,000 litres of petrol assigned to the company.

The arrest was disclosed by the state Commandant, Mr. Igbalawole Sotiyo, during a briefing in Osogbo on Saturday. Adegbola and his two assistants, known as motor boys, were paraded before the press.

Sotiyo explained that the suspects were apprehended on Friday at around 8:21 p.m., while in possession of the NNPCL truck. According to the commandant, the truck initially loaded 40,000 litres of petrol from the Pinnacle Distribution Depot in Eleko, Lagos State. Official records showed that the entire load was designated for delivery to an NNPCL Mega Station in Osogbo.

However, following a tip-off, NSCDC officers tracked the truck, bearing registration number AGG 959 XA, and discovered that only 30,000 litres had been delivered to the NNPCL filling station. The remaining 10,000 litres were reportedly being offloaded at TEMPOLA filling station in Ikirun, within Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Commandant Sotiyo noted that the driver and his aides confessed that while the entire load of 40,000 litres was meant for the Osogbo NNPCL Mega Station, they were instructed by their company to deliver only 30,000 litres there, directing the remainder to a private station in Ikirun.

“This act represents both economic sabotage and theft,” Sotiyo stated, condemning the suspects. “They are saboteurs acting against the interests of the state.”

In a stern warning, Sotiyo cautioned all stakeholders in petroleum distribution that any parties involved in sabotaging government efforts would face arrest and prosecution. He also urged NNPCL managers and supervisors nationwide to cooperate with the NSCDC in identifying and prosecuting such offenders.

Since assuming his role as the new commandant in the state, Sotiyo has vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance policy on criminal activities. “There is a new sheriff in town,” he said, pledging that Osun would no longer tolerate criminal actions. “Any criminally-minded individuals should either reform or be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.”

Sotiyo assured that once the investigation concludes, the suspects will be brought to court for prosecution.

(NAN)