A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been arrested by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism in Ogun State for pipeline vandalism.
According to the suspect, his action was aimed at raising money for his political campaign towards 2015 general elections.
Officer in charge of the task force, Friday Ibadin, who identified the 59-year-old suspect as Wahab Junaid, said he was arrested at Ifote village in Obafemi/ Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“I am an active member of All Progressives Congress and the slot for the House of Representative was zoned to my area, Ibeju Lekki constituency.
“I am one of those who have best opportunities to contest and win the election.
“I was told to go and look for money to sponsor my campaigns. I am a graduate. I read Botanical Science and Animal Rearing. I am a veterinary doctor. Unfortunately, people no longer patronise us and I had to change my profession.
“Since I did not have enough money to sponsor myself, I called my friend, one Oloje, a vandal, who told me that the area was calm and suggested that I could come and load some trucks.
“I was actually waiting at the designated point with the trucks with which to lift the product when policemen arrested me,” the suspect said.
Speaking on Junaid’s arrest, Ibadin disclosed that it was the fourth time he would be arrested over a similar offence.
“On September 15, detectives acted on an intelligence report that Junaid was back and currently operating with his boys at Ogere, Ogun State.
“Detectives, led by Ogere sector commander, ASP Shakwallo Philemon, stormed the area and arrested him. We are still on the trail of his accomplices who are still on the run. He would soon be charged to court,” Ibadin said.
Junaid, who admitted to have been arrested thrice before now, said: “I swear, after I regained freedom in 2012, I stopped everything that has to do with pipeline vandalisation. But politics lured me back to it.
“I suspect that my enemies, who are bitter that I was anointed to fly the APC flag for Ibeju Lekki constituency at the House of Representatives in 2015 have a hand in this.
“As I speak to you, no one knows that I have been arrested. Please forgive me and give me another chance to represent my people in the House of Representatives,” the suspect said.
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