By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Calabar Division of the Federal High Court has sentenced to life imprisonment no fewer than 16 suspected vandals who were charged with adulterating 100 tonnes of diesel.
The suspects were also ordered to forfeit to the federal government, their vessel MV ALEZZA LILAH which they used for the operation.
A statement issued by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC Thursday in Abuja and signed by its spokesperson, Emmanuel Okeh, said “the affected persons were arrested by the Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps along Brass River on their way towards the sea in Bayelsa on a vessel MV ALEZZA LILAH”.
He said receiving the verdict of the court, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Muhammadu Gana however read the riot act to vandals, illegal dealers on petroleum products and product adulterators to desist or face the wrath of the law.
The statement said suspects were charged for conspiracy and adulteration which is contrary to sections 1(17) and (18) (a) and (1) of the Miscellanous Offences Act Cap, M17 LFN 2004 and punishable under the sections. It added that the trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo convicted the 16 accused persons on all the charges and consequently sentenced them to life imprisonment.
Gana charged the NSCDC personnel not to relent in their crusade of “Operation Zero tolerance to vandalism”, illegal bunkering, oil theft and other associated crimes. Enough is enough, we must rise to the challenge of tackling this ugly phenomenon of vandalism and other related crimes; attacking our personnel will not deter us from fighting the scourge rather it makes us to be more rugged and dogged in the crusade. I therefore use this opportunity to warn all those in this illicit business to quit as the law is no respecter of anyone”, the NSCDC boss was quoted as saying.
Gana said the judgement by the Federal High Court will serve as a deterrent to others, praising the court and urging other judges to emulate Justice Inyang Ekwo and ensure speedy dispensation of cases before them.
Short Link:
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialisation. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours

Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today