The Anti-Vandalism Unit Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command have arrested five suspects involved in unlawful dealings in petroleum products in Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
Public Relations Officer, Okadigbo Edwin who disclosed this on Thursday, said the suspects were also apprehended over suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and transporting of Petroleum products without a lawful licence.
He listed their names as Ebuka Kalu (27) of No. 1 Obodo Ukwu Road Onitsha, Ogbonna Solomon (29), of No. 80 Iweka road, Onitsha.
Others included Onwuekwe Miracle (20) of Elelenwa, Obiakpo L.G.A of Rivers State, Adamu Mohammed (36), residing in Abuja FCT and Abubakar Sadiq (33) of Yola, Adamawa State.
He said Ebuka Kalu and Ogbonna Solomon were conveying suspected adulterated petroleum products concealed in sack bags in a white Hiarce bus, but could not produce any document authorizing their dealings in Petroleum products.
Okadigbo added that Onwuekwe Miracle, Adamu Mohammed and Abubakar Sadic were conveying two long trucks with 33,000 liters and 40,000 liters of suspected adulterated AGO respectively.
He said preliminary investigation revealed that the product had no meter tickets, no haulage permit to convey Petroleum products and the waybill presented was suspected to be fake.
“Meanwhile, intense discreet investigation is ongoing to unravel the source of the suspected adulterated petroleum products upon conclusion the suspects would be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The State Commandant, Mr. Vincent Ogu has commended efforts of the Anti-Vandalism team and law-abiding citizens who contributed in making the breakthroughs possible.
“He charges Operatives to remain resolute and resilient, even as the Command unwaveringly work towards maximally actualizing its core mandates as ordered by the Commandant -General of NSCDC, Mr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi.
“He further called on Ndi Anambra and residents alike to remain vigilante and promptly report the activities of vandals to the nearest NSCDC formation,” he added.