By: Our reporter
Federal High Court in Asaba sentences suspect to two years imprisonment as NSCDC warns economic saboteurs of tougher crackdown.
The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has secured the conviction of a suspected pipeline vandal at the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba.
The court on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, convicted Paul Solomon on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit vandalism and attempted vandalism of pipelines belonging to Oando Energy Company Nigeria Limited located in Kwale, Delta State.
Delivering judgment, Justice Olubanjo sentenced the convict to two years imprisonment on each count, with both sentences to run concurrently and without the option of a fine.
The court held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the NSCDC, the suspect was arrested on January 5, 2026, while attempting to vandalize a pipeline belonging to Oando Energy at Okpai 2 in Kwale.
Reacting to the judgment, the Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commandant Chinedu, warned that tougher days lie ahead for pipeline vandals and other economic saboteurs operating in the state.
He cautioned individuals involved in vandalism of critical national assets to desist immediately or leave Delta State, stressing that anyone apprehended would face the full weight of the law.
The Commandant also commended the judiciary for ensuring that justice was served promptly and reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC Delta Command to continue protecting critical national infrastructure across the state.
The statement was issued by Anthony Uchenna on behalf of the State Commandant.