The Nigerian government has intensified its fight against oil theft, arraigning nine suspects accused of vandalizing oil pipelines in the Ogidiama community, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The defendants appeared before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Monday, facing charges of conspiracy and tampering with critical oil infrastructure.
The suspects have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the case to May 6 and 7, ordering their detention at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre until trial.
Nigeria has been grappling with widespread crude oil theft, which costs the economy billions of dollars annually.
In response, the government has established a special security task force comprising personnel from the police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Civil Defence, Ministry of Justice, Army, and Navy.
Under new anti-vandalism laws, convicted offenders now face life imprisonment with no option for plea bargaining.