The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has secured the conviction of a suspected pipeline vandal, Paul Solomon, at the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba.
Solomon was convicted on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit vandalism and attempted vandalism of pipelines belonging to Oando Energy Resources in Kwale, Delta State.
Delivering judgment, Justice Olubanjo found the defendant guilty after the court held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently sentenced Solomon to two years’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently and without the option of a fine.
According to the NSCDC, the suspect was arrested on January 5, 2026, while allegedly attempting to vandalise a pipeline belonging to Oando at Okpai 2 in Kwale.
Reacting to the judgment, the Delta State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Chinedu, said the conviction sends a strong warning to individuals involved in the sabotage of critical national infrastructure. He declared that “tough days lie ahead for vandals,” stressing that the command would intensify efforts to ensure offenders are apprehended and prosecuted.
The commandant warned those engaged in pipeline vandalism and other forms of economic sabotage to desist or face the full weight of the law. He also commended the judiciary for the swift dispensation of justice, noting that the command remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure in Delta State.