Three Arik Air Staff Nabbed Siphoning Jet-A1 Fuel from Aircraft

Luck ran out on three Arik Air workers who were arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos siphoning fuel from an aircraft, according to Ministry of Aviation.

Osita Chidoka, the Minister, who disclosed the news said, “In the continued bid to fight corruption and security breaches at the nation’s airport results are beginning to emerge my daily security report revealed the following:

“On 15th February, 2015, at about 0255hrs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos, the sustained security patrol and surveillance operations across the nation’s airports, by the aviation security staff, yielded a good result that led to the apprehension of the following three Arik staff namely; Blessing Dugbe, Samuel Asuquo and Isaac Ajakaiye siphoning jet A1 fuel from Arik airplane, registration number 5N-MID, into six jerry cans for possible sales, at cheaper price to other airlines”.

The theft, Chidioka added, threatens safety and security of airplanes.

“Considering the magnitude of this crime and the attendant consequences, the act is likely to portend to safety and security of Arik airplanes and other aircrafts parked at the MMIA apron, the Chief Security Officer (CSO), MMIA, Lagos, had been requested to ensure that the suspects are handed over to the airport police for adequate prosecution, to serve as a deterrent to others,” the Minister said.

The three suspects have been handed over to the Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB), AVSEC MMIA for further action.

The minister said other Chief Security Officers and Heads of Aviation Security at the nation’s airports, had been alerted and directed to intensify patrol and surveillance operations at their areas of responsibilities.