Soldier, Three Others Arrestes For Hijacking Petrol Tanker

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a soldier attached to 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Mokola, Ibadan, for allegedly hijacking a fuel-laden truck at Akobo, Iwo road, in the state capital.

Arrested with him were three other suspects.

The four were paraded on Friday before journalists by the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odunde.

According to the police commissioner, the suspects were picked up on November 11.

Odunde said investigation revealed that the gang was responsible for waylaying and hijacking trucks along the expressway.

He said: “The gang led by the soldier hijacked a 40,000 litre truck with registration number ABJ 132XA at about 9:30 p.m. and abducted the driver and the conductor.

“They later took them to Omi-Adio after robbing them of their money and valuables and thereafter drove the truck to Akure/Ilesa road.

“The alarm raised by the victim attracted some members of the community who alerted the police that led to their arrest and also recovered the truck.”

The police also presented 17 other suspects including an employee of George Investment Company, Ibadan, who stole six Sino trucks and a Toyota Camry car belonging to the company.

Odude said investigation conducted by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad led to the arrest of the suspect and one other in Edo and Abuja.

The police commissioner said the six trucks were sold in Kaduna at the rate of N20 million, while the Camry car was given to a yet-to-be identified pastor in Abuja.

“As a result of diligent investigation by the SARS, all the trucks and two other cars were recovered and the criminal receiver also arrested.”

At least 10 other suspects were arrested for alleged stealing, cultism, armed robbery, unlawful possession of counterfeit currency and impersonation.

Items recovered are two cut-to-size single barrel guns, two laptop computers, eight mobile phones, a mask and charms.