The Nigerian Government Taskforce on Illegal Oil Activities has arraigned nine suspects accused of vandalizing oil pipelines in the Ogidiama community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The suspects Anthony Peter, Nelson Joshua, Stanley Kio, Adekunle Godspower, William Don-Pedro, Aminu Suleiman, and three others were brought before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Monday. They face a two-count charge of conspiracy and tampering with pipelines.
The accused were arrested on March 11, 2025, by security agencies and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case has been adjourned to May 6 and 7, with the suspects remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending trial.
Nigerian Government Steps Up Measures Against Oil Theft
To tackle the ongoing issue of crude oil theft, the Nigerian Government has formed an interagency security team, including members from the police, EFCC, Civil Defence, the Ministry of Justice, the Army, and the Navy. This team is tasked with apprehending and prosecuting pipeline vandals to the fullest extent of the law.
Under the new measures, convicted offenders face life imprisonment, with no option for plea bargaining.
Prosecution Issues Warning to Oil Thieves
Following the court proceedings, prosecution counsel Frederick O. Dibang commented on the case:
“We have arraigned nine defendants before the Federal High Court in Rivers State on charges of conspiracy and pipeline tampering. The court denied their oral bail application and ordered their remand pending a formal hearing,” Dibang stated.
He issued a stern warning to oil thieves, saying, “This is a lesson to those tampering with pipelines—there is now a specialized force dedicated to ending illegal oil activities. The era of impunity is over.”
Dibang also cautioned security agencies to properly handle evidence: “When suspects are arrested with exhibits, those exhibits must be preserved. Destroying evidence undermines prosecutions.”
The case will continue in May as efforts to combat sabotage in the oil sector intensify.
