In a determined effort to combat the persistent menace of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the Federal Government Taskforce on Illegal Oil Activities has brought nine individuals before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday. The accused face charges related to the sabotage of oil infrastructure in the Ogidiama community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Peter, Nelson Joshua, Stanley Kio, Adekunle Godspower, William Don-Pedro, Aminu Suleiman, and three others, were formally charged on two counts: conspiracy and the tampering with oil pipelines. Their arrest on March 11, 2025, underscores the ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks operating in the oil-rich region.
During the court proceedings, all nine suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. Presiding over the case, the Federal High Court adjourned the matter to May 6th and 7th for further hearing. The suspects have been remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending the commencement of their trial.
This arraignment reflects the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, a crime that inflicts significant economic damage on the nation. To bolster these efforts, an interagency security team has been established, comprising personnel from the Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Navy. This collaborative taskforce is mandated to apprehend and ensure the rigorous prosecution of pipeline vandals.
Under stringent new measures implemented by the Federal Government, individuals convicted of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism now face the prospect of life imprisonment, with the elimination of plea bargaining options, signaling a zero-tolerance stance towards such criminal activities.
Following the court session, the prosecution counsel, Frederick O. Dibang, conveyed the government’s resolute position. “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.
He issued a stark warning to those involved in illegal oil activities, asserting, “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 emphasized the critical importance of evidence preservation by security agencies during arrests, cautioning that the destruction of exhibits undermines prosecution efforts.
As the case progresses towards the trial dates in May, authorities are clearly signaling an intensified campaign to safeguard the nation’s oil infrastructure and bring perpetrators of sabotage to justice.
