Ifeanyi Ubah arrested for alleged N11b oil theft

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, has been arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, for alleged stealing, diversion and illegal sale of petroleum products stored in his tank farm amounting to over N11 billion.
The DSS in a statement issued by the Public Affairs Officer of the agency, Tony Opuiyo, accused Uba of instigating members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a critical player in the downstream sub-sector of the Petroleum Industry, to refuse/stop the lifting of products.
“In line with the statutory mandate of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate economic crimes of national security dimension” the Service, said, Uba was arrested on Friday.
Explaining the rationale for the action of DSS, Opuiyo said: “The arrest was sequel to Ubah’s engagement in acts of economic sabotage which include stealing, diversion and illegal sale of petroleum products stored in his tank farm by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“So far, it has been established that the products stolen amount to over N11 billion. There is no doubt that Ubah’s acts have the capacity to negatively impact on national economy. “It is instructive to note that Ubah has further engaged in other activities inimical to national security and public order. In furtherance of his gimmicks to undermine the government and people of Nigeria, he has incited members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a critical player in the downstream sub-sector of the Petroleum Industry, to refuse/stop the lifting of products.
“This is part of his plans to curry their sentiments and cause them to embark on strike and also stage protests in his favour with the ulterior motive of arm-twisting the NNPC to abandon the cause of recovering the stolen products. The implication of this on law and order is, in fact, a common knowledge. It is consequent upon this that the Service arrested and will prosecute him forthwith.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to support other agencies.
The public is hereby reassured that the Service will collaborate with appropriate agencies to ensure that the mischievous activities of any person or group(s) to engage in illegal activities will not affect the effective distribution of products across the country.
“It will also support such agencies to bring to book individuals or companies involved in any criminal act that undermines the nation’s economy,” the Service warned.