By Cajetan Mmuta
Four suspected illegal petroleum products dealers have been arrested by the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) during raids at various locations in the state.
The suspects include Sunday Nwaogu, 37, Ejike Nelson, 42, Emeka Okolo, 45, and Tochukwu Okonkwo.
They were arrested by the anti-vandalism team of the command following Intelligence reports.
Commandant of the NSCDC, Anambra state command Vincent Ogu while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Awka the state capital said Sunday Nwaogu of Imoha, Mgbidi Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State was intercepted at Ihiala in a white Hiace bus with registration number (EBONYI) AKL 518 XP filled with suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) otherwise known as diesel.
He said that Ejike Nelson and Emeka Okolo of the same address were intercepted at Ihiala on their way to deliver the adulterated product at their final destination.
According to him, “We recovered approximately 50 Bags of suspected adulterated DPK(Petrol) loaded in a Nissan Bus with registration no: ENUGU ENU 514 XV.”
“The Anti Vandal team had been intimated of the activities of the syndicates who specialize in transporting the adulterated products in and around the State. The team as a follow up to the tip-off apprehended the two suspects,” he said.
Ogu explained that Tochukwu Okonkwo of Eziowelle in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State was on his way to Ugwuoba Oji River LGA of Enugu State with suspected adulterated AGO approximately 27 bags staked in Nissan Quest Bus with registration no: LAGOS GT 538 EKY at Immigration junction, Agu Awka when he was arrested.
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He said all the suspects would be charged after investigations were concluded.
“This kind of illegal activities can lead to bleeding of the Nigerian economy and certainly economic sabotage.
“The Command will sustain this force and ensure that criminally minded individuals will not see the state as safe haven to operate.
“We want the public to support our progress with credible intelligence information to execute our mandate
and perform our constitutional duties and responsibilities,” NSCDC boss noted.
