The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has secured the conviction of four individuals found guilty of oil pipeline vandalism and related offences.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Anthony Uchenna, Justice Olubanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba convicted the suspects — Sylvania Elvis, Peter Ojichini, Bala Idris Adey, and Joel Bala Emmanuel — on charges bordering on conspiracy and unlawful tampering with oil pipelines.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested and investigated by intelligence officers of the NSCDC Delta State Command before being arraigned in court. Delivering judgment, Justice Olubanjo held that the prosecution successfully proved the essential elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
The court subsequently sentenced the convicts to prison terms on each count.
Reacting to the judgment, the Delta State Commandant of the NSCDC, Chinedu F. Igbo, warned criminal elements to desist from acts of vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage, stressing that offenders would continue to face the full weight of the law.
He urged citizens to embrace lawful means of livelihood and take advantage of legitimate empowerment opportunities rather than engaging in criminal activities.
The Commandant further reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC Delta State Command to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly oil and gas facilities, in line with its statutory mandate.
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