The Federal Government Taskforce on Illegal oil activities has arraigned nine suspects accused of vandalising 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 on a two-count charge of conspiracy and tampering with pipelines.

Security agencies arrested the accused on March 11, 2025, and they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case was adjourned to May 6 and 7 with the suspects remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending trial.

Strict measures against oil theft

In a bid to curb the persistent issue of crude oil theft, the Federal Government has established an interagency security team comprising 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?s firm stance

Speaking after the court proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Frederick O. Dibang, stated:

?We just 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 them remanded pending a formal hearing,? Dibang stated.

Dibang 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.?

He also cautioned security agencies saying, ?When suspects are arrested with exhibits, those exhibits must be preserved. Destroying evidence undermines prosecutions.?

The case continues in May as authorities intensify efforts to combat oil sector sabotage. (Channels TV)