I break NNPC pipelines to help Nigerians – Suspect

A suspected pipeline vandal, who has been arrested by the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism, says he took to the illegitimate business because of the failure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to provide quality service to Nigerians.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the 40-year-old suspect, Soji Omomoyesan, was arrested alongside one Rotanna Ifeanyi after causing a fire outbreak at an oil pipeline at the Ilare/Magbon area of Ikorodu, Lagos State on March 20, 2014.
They were, however, arrested by members of the community who trailed them to the house of an herbalist where they had gone to receive treatment from the burns they sustained. 

Omomsoyesan, an indigene of Imayin, Ondo state said, “I am alive today because the police came to my rescue. The community wanted to set me on fire.
“I had been informed that they would burst petrol pipeline along Imagbon NNPC pipeline, so I decided to make some money. 

“At my age, I cannot carry 50litres, so I was employed as a canoe paddler. When we got there around 2am, everything was moving on smoothly till they started arguing. I was heading back to intervene when the fire started. I was able to escape, but the heat peeled off my skin. 

“I quickly ran to the house of the herbalist who normally assists us. However, the community’s residents came there and arrested us. They beat all of us up. It was the timely arrival of the police that saved us. 

“I am sorry that I have failed my family. It’s just that since NNPC refused to supply enough fuel for people in Lagos, we are bridging the gap.”
The second suspect, Ifeanyi,  said he was lured into the illegitimate business by his best friend, Tony Olabanji. 

The 22-year-old suspect said the fire was caused by one Jide, who was smoking.
He said, “When we arrived, there were men and women numbering about 20. We were contracted by one Mama Beji who agreed to pay N200 for each jerry can that we move to her vehicle. 

“It was while this was going on that we saw smokes coming from the site, I tried to turn away but the smoke and heat was too much. I collapsed and later, I rushed to Baba Seriki’s (herbalist) house where I met Soji (Omomsoyesan).
“Suddenly the man rushed out of the house. While we were trying to understand why he was in a hurry, the villagers stormed the house and started beating us up. They tied us up and alerted the police” 

On the cause of the fire, Ifeanyi said, “It was Jide who caused it. There was an argument over who was to fetch before the other when Jide, out of annoyance, unknowingly threw the cigarette in his hand in the direction of the pipeline.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Friday Ibadin, who is in charge of the task force, said the unit got information that there was a fire outbreak at the NNPC pipeline in the area. He commended members of the community for apprehending the vandals. 

He said, “Policemen led by the Lagos Sector Commander, DSP Samson Olawoyin, moved to the scene. Many of the vandals fled when they realised that their game was up, while some were burnt to death.
“However, we have moved the two suspects who were arrested to a hospital. They will be arraigned in court as soon as their health improves.”