The Civil Defense has the mandate to apprehend and prosecute offenders
No fewer than 28 vehicles have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee, in the Ikot Abasi area of Akwa Ibom state. The said vehicles were alleged to have been used by various suspects for executing crimes at different levels.
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Representing Commodore Monday Unurhiere, Commandant NNS Jubilee at the handover ceremony, Navy Captain Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan stated that handing over the vehicles to the NSCDC was in line with the Navy’s mode operation. According to him, the Navy lacks the legal jurisdiction to prosecute offenders, hence, they hand them over to institutions such as the NSCDC or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The vehicles and trucks are from suspects who fled the scene of the crime during our operations.
Naijauto found that the majority of the vehicles impounded were petrol tankers. The Navy boss disclosed that the 28 vehicles were ceased from people who were arrested for their involvement in illegal practices.
“By standard operating procedure, the Navy does not prosecute, that is why we either hand over suspects and items seized to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the NSCDC for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
Adeyinka Ayinla, State Commander of the NSCDC, was on ground to receive the vehicles. He acknowledged efforts of the NNS in fighting crime in the state. Speaking further, he assured that the Commission would carry out thorough investigations to find owners of the vehicles, and prosecute them accordingly.
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