Suspected pipeline vandals finally have revealed why they blew up the NNPC pipeline in Lagos which caused the fire incident that consumed about 100 houses and 77 vehicles worth several millions of Naira at Isopako Awori in Abule Egba area of Lagos.
The incident caused many families in the area sorrow; many were still displaced and helpless.
However, barely one month after the incident happened, police moved into action and arrested six suspects in connection with the ugly incident.
The suspects were Rasak Oyakunle a.k.a Akeregun, Abdulazeez Agbola a.k.a Biggy, 29, Akin Ayansola a.k.a Babalati, 44, Saheed Isiola a.k.a Babalati a.k.a Obama, 36, Kazeem Aladija, 50 and Adedipa Dauda Ewenla, 40.
The suspects said that they were not out to destroy people’s property in the area but only wanted to scoop petroleum products before fire broke out which caused heavy destruction in the area.
The arrest was confirmed by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Imohimi Edgal, and the suspects were paraded at the State Command.
The police boss said on 18th December, 2018, fire emanated from NNPC that was deliberately ruptured by vandals in their bid to siphon premium motor spirit (PMS) from the broken pipe. He said the consequence was fire outbreak that destroyed property in the area.
Edgal said, based on the development, the operatives of SARS were detailed to investigate the incident and ensure the arrest of those behind the crime.
He said that the operatives were mobilized to the scene which led to the arrest of those one Rasak Oyakunle a.k.a Akeregun. During interrogation, he confessed and revealed that he owned a generator repairs workshop right on the spot where the ruptured pipeline was laid and the purpose was to siphon fuel undetected. He mentioned his accomplices; they were arrested and detained at the State Command.
CP Edgal said that the suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
