The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State has arrested a Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) truck driver for allegedly diverting 10,000 litres of petrol.
The driver, identified as Afeez Adegbola, was detained alongside his two assistants, or “motor boys,” in Osogbo on Friday night.
The arrest was announced by the Osun State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Igbalawole Sotiyo, who paraded the suspects on Saturday.
Mr. Sotiyo explained that the arrest was the result of a tip-off received by the NSCDC.
Officers had been monitoring the NNPCL truck with registration number AGG 959 XA as it made its way through Osun State.
The truck had originally loaded 40,000 litres of petrol from Pinnacle Distribution Depot in Eleko, Lagos State.
The fuel was reportedly intended for the NNPCL Mega Station in Osogbo, according to the waybill.
However, when NSCDC officers followed the truck to the Osogbo station, they discovered that only 30,000 litres had been delivered.
Upon further investigation, they found the remaining 10,000 litres being offloaded at TEMPOLA filling station, a private petrol station in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Confessions and Allegations
The NSCDC reported that the driver and his assistants confessed to diverting the fuel.
According to Mr. Sotiyo, the suspects claimed they were instructed by their company to deliver only 30,000 litres to the NNPCL station in Osogbo.
The remaining 10,000 litres, they said, was directed to TEMPOLA filling station in Ikirun.
Mr. Sotiyo condemned the action as both “economic sabotage” and outright theft.
“This is an act of sabotage against the state,” he said. “They are saboteurs and anti-state.”
He explained that fuel diversion is a severe crime because it impacts the economy and the availability of petrol for regular Nigerians.
The commandant promised that the NSCDC would continue to pursue such cases to protect the interests of the public.
NSCDC Sends Warning to Fuel Distributors
In a stern warning, Mr. Sotiyo addressed fuel distributors and NNPCL managers across Nigeria.
“NSCDC is using this medium to warn all stakeholders involved in the distribution of petroleum products nationwide,” he stated.
He urged NNPCL managers and supervisors to work closely with NSCDC to prevent further cases of fuel diversion.
“Anyone caught sabotaging the government will be apprehended and prosecuted,” he emphasized.
Sotiyo added that cooperation between NSCDC and fuel distributors is essential to ensure accountability and prevent criminal activities in the fuel distribution process.
“A New Sheriff in Town,” Says Commandant
Mr. Sotiyo, who recently took over as the new Commandant of NSCDC in Osun, said he intends to crack down on criminal activities in the state.
“I want to inform the good people of Osun State that there is a new Sheriff in town,” he declared.
He warned that it would no longer be “business as usual” for those with criminal intentions.
“Criminally minded people in the state must have a change of heart or be ready to face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
Sotiyo assured the public that the suspects would face trial once the investigation is completed.
“We are committed to making Osun a safe place for law-abiding citizens,” he concluded.
Fuel Diversion and Economic Impact
Fuel diversion is a growing issue in Nigeria, with significant economic and social consequences.
The diversion of petrol often leads to artificial scarcity, causing long queues at petrol stations and inflating fuel prices.
These actions directly impact Nigerians, who face higher costs for transportation and other daily needs due to fuel shortages.
The Federal Government and regulatory agencies like NSCDC have been working to combat fuel diversion, as it not only affects the economy but also fuels public frustration.
For instance, in 2023, there were widespread complaints of fuel shortages across Nigeria, and investigations revealed that diversion was a major cause.
By enforcing stricter measures and prosecuting offenders, the NSCDC hopes to send a strong message to others involved in illegal fuel practices.
