A middle-aged man identified as Odogwu Chibuzor was shot and arrested during an attempted diesel theft at the Dangote Cement plant in Ibese, Ogun State, late Wednesday night. Chibuzor was part of a four-man gang, armed with a Dane gun and other weapons, attempting to siphon diesel from heavy-duty trucks when security personnel at the plant intervened.
According to a police source, the gang was spotted at the 3 & 4 Section of the plant, where they had already filled three 25-litre jerrycans with diesel. Upon being discovered, security guards opened fire, injuring Chibuzor, while three other suspects fled the scene.
During interrogation, Chibuzor confessed to the crime, admitting that it was his first time participating in such an operation. “I’m from Enugu State but live in Balogun community. Our group has more than 20 members, but only five were involved in this. I was unaware one of us had a gun,” he stated.
A short video obtained by local media showed Chibuzor admitting to the crime. He also claimed the group had bribed truck drivers to facilitate the operation.
Dangote Cement’s Head of Security, Egbunu Usman, reported the incident to the Dangote Police Post shortly after Chibuzor was captured. The company’s spokesperson, Tony Chiejina, has yet to provide an official response.
Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident, noting that the suspect had been taken to Ilaro General Hospital for treatment before being placed in custody. She added that a Dane gun and five jerrycans were recovered at the scene, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
