Police arrest 2 suspects for operating illegal petrol refining site

Police operatives attached to the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) have arrested two suspects after raiding an illegal petroleum refining site in Edo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this known via a statement issued on Sunday.

Adejobi noted that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at an illicit petroleum products refining site in Agbor Junction, Benin City, Edo State via a whistle blower through the recently created Nigeria National Petroleum Company’s (NNPC) Command and Control Centre Portal.

He added: “Consequent to the raid on the illegal petroleum refining site, 3 empty DAF trucks, 31 immobile surface tanks – 7 of which were loaded with unspecified quantity of petroleum products, were discovered by the police.

“Additionally, two suspects, one Chinedu Iyanabor aged 18 and Sunday Iyagbesun aged 52, were arrested during the raid.

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“Preliminary investigations reveal the site was also used as a dumpsite for petroleum products.

“The Inspector-General of Police has tasked special enforcement units on prevention of activities of economic saboteurs to ensure deployment of necessary manpower and other operational assets to ensure a total clampdown on criminal activities detriment to the economic growth of the nation.

“The IGP has similarly supervised the strengthening of the Unit with a charge to intensify efforts, in conjunction with local police officers, to sustain police approved operational standards in tackling economic sabotage, crimes and criminality in the country.

“He equally charged the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Unit to embark on strict supervision of the Unit in compliance with the directives.”

The police spokesperson, however, stated that all the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Star