How electrician set up workshop on pipeline to steal fuel

A 29-year-old generator repairer, Rasak Oyakunle, whom the police described as the mastermind of the pipeline fire that claimed lives and property at Abule Egba area during yuletide, has been arrested.

The police said the suspect was arrested at his hideout at Aboru area of Egbeda where he had gone to hide.

A huge fire outbreak occurred at Isopako Awori area of Abule Egba on December 18, 2018 during which over 100 houses, shops and 77 vehicles were destroyed. A yet to be ascertained number of persons were rendered homeless as a result of the wild fire.

The police said that his arrest led to the arrest of four other members of the gang namely: Abdulazeez Agbola aka Giggy, 29, Akin Ayansola aka Babalati, 44, Kazeem aka Aladija 50 and Saheed Isiola aka Obama, 36.

All the suspects, according to the police are being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department  (SARS)

In his statement to the police, Rasaq Oyakunle, admitted siting his workshop on a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation  (NNPC) to siphon petroleum product.

He also admitted that they have been in the business of stealing petroleum products from broken pipelines for many years.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, who briefed newsmen yesterday on the outcome of investigation said that Rasaq admitted deliberately located his workshop on the spot where the ruptured pipeline was laid.

Edgal said police on-the-spot investigations on the day of the incident revealed that the fire emanated from NNPC pipeline that was deliberately ruptured by vandals in their bid to siphon petrol from the broken pipe.

He said: “Based on the development, operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja where detailed to investigate the incident and ensure the arrest of those behind the crime. The operatives mobilized to the scene, picked up some pieces of evidence for analysis, which led to the arrest of Rasaq.

“During interrogation, he confessed committing the crime. He further revealed that he owns an electric generator-repairing workshop situated right on the spot where the ruptured pipeline was laid.”