We are detaining Ifeanyi Ubah over stealing of N11bn petroleum products-DSS

The Department of State Service (DSS) has disclosed it is detaining the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas , Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, over his alleged involvement in the stealing of about N11billion petroleum products in his tank.

The secret police further claimed that Ubah is being detained over alleged engagements in acts that is contrary to national security.

The DSS stated this in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Tony Opuiyo and made available in Abuja on Saturday.

Ubah was said to have been arrested again in Abuja on Friday.

Ubah is being accused of stealing, diversion and illegal sale of petroleum products stored in his tank farm by the Nigeria Petroleum Products Corporation (NNPC).

According to Opuiyo, the cost of the alleged stolen petroleum products is more than N11bn, saying that such acts were impacting negatively on the national economy.

The DSS spokesman further claimed the service is empowered to arrest and detain Ubah in line with its power to investigate economic crimes of national dimension.

The statement reads in part, “In line with the statutory mandate of the DSS to investigate economic crimes of national security dimension, the Service, on May 5, 2017, arrested Ifeanyi Ubah, Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited.

“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 NNPC.

“So far, it has been established that the products stolen amount to over N11bn. There is no doubt that Ubah’s acts have the capacity to negatively impact on national economy.”

Speaking on Ubah’s alleged infamous act, the Opuiyo claimed that the Capital Oil boss incited the members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers to embark on strike because of his (Ubah’s) investigation by the DSS.

He said, “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, 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.

Opuiyo also stated that the DSS would prosecute Ubah, saying that, “The implications 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 DSS spokesman further assured the general public, adding that the service would collaborate with appropriate agencies to ensure that mischievous activities of any person or group(s) to engage in illegal activities will not affect the effective distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

According to him , the DSS will also support such agencies to bring to book individuals or firms involved in any criminal act that undermines Nigeria’s economy.