The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday October 30, 2013, arraigned a suspected pipeline vandal, Lawrence Uchegbu before Justice S. M. Shuaibu on one count charge of vandalism at the Federal High Court Owerri, Imo State.

Uchegbu was arrested by soldiers of the 34 Brigade Garrison on November 27, 2010 at Owaza 1 and 11 in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State and handed over to EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The charge reads: "That you Lawrence Uchegbu on or about the 27th day of November 2010 in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria tampered with petroleum pipeline and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under section 7(a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, CAP M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria."

When the charge was read out in court, the accused pleaded not guilty.

Justice Shuaibu remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case to November 8, 2013 for hearing on bail application.

Media & Publicity Unit
30th October, 2013