PORT HARCOURT – Nine individuals accused of vandalizing oil pipelines in the Ogidiama community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
The suspects—Anthony Peter, Nelson Joshua, Stanley Kio, Adekunle Godspower, William Don-Pedro, Aminu Suleiman, and three others—were charged with conspiracy and tampering with petroleum pipelines. They were arrested on March 11, 2025, by security operatives attached to the Federal Government Taskforce on illegal oil activities.
During the court session on Monday, the accused pleaded not guilty. The presiding judge subsequently adjourned the case to May 6 and 7, 2025, for trial and ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.
Prosecution counsel F.O. Dibang emphasized the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal oil activities, warning offenders to desist or face prosecution. He also cautioned security agencies against destroying evidence, stressing the importance of preserving exhibits for legal proceedings.
