Six remanded for alleged NNPC pipeline vandalism, murder of engineers

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday ordered that six accused persons be remanded in prison custody after they were arraigned on allegations of oil pipeline vandalism and murder.


The accused are facing a seven-count charge bordering on the offences, in connection with the vandalism of an oil pipeline and the murder of three engineers of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Those charged are Joel Inerepamu (25); Rueben Oluwole (60); John Isaiah (28); Ineye Okposa (40); Timi Gunugunu (22); and Olisa Saheed (25).

Justice Mohammed Idris ordered their remand, pending trial, following an application made by the prosecutor, Mr Toyin Ibadin.

He fixed December 18 for commencement of trial.

Ibadin had told the court that the accused, on September 5, at about 6p.m, at Arepo, Ogun, conspired to vandalise an NNPC oil pipeline located in the vicinity.

He alleged that the accused had vandalised the pipeline and scooped out large quantities of petroleum products for illegal sale.

Ibadin said on sighting engineers assigned to the area from the NNPC, to maintain the pipelines, the accused, who were armed with guns, opened fire.

He alleged that the engineers were shot dead by the accused.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened sections 3(6), 7(a), 7(b), and 17(a) of the Miscellanous Offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He said that the offence of murder also contravened Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap C 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

However, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

(Punch)