The Lagos State Government has arrested over 20 suspects who specialised in adulterating diesel with kerosene and black oil in order to multiply its yields.

The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command disclosed that the suspects were arrested on Thursday morning underneath Oregun-Opebi Link Bridge, behind Welfare Bus Stop, Oregun Ikeja, when officials of the RRS, Lagos State Taskforce and the Lagos State Ministry of Lands stormed their hideout.

RRS quoted sources as disclosing that the suspects buy several litres of diesel, mix it with several litres of kerosene and black oil, then sift the dirt out before distributing in smaller quantities to companies, filling stations and other direct buyers.

The sources, who declined to mention their names, disclosed that several individuals are involved in the business, with strong financial links.

“That is why you can see several tanks as reservoirs and drums. The least you can see here, amongst the tanks is 30,000 litres. And there are over 12 of such here…. Look at the fleet of buses and trucks for distribution. The supply is constant. They get request for supply almost every now and then,” one of the sources said.

Some of the suspects, according to police officials who were at the scene early enough, were caught mixing diesel with black oil and kerosene and transferring it into a red Ford bus with registration number KJA 201 XP for supply.

Items seized from the operators included 13 tankers, 13 distribution buses, 17 storage tanks, over 100 drums, pumping machines, etc.

Commenting on the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni, described the activities of the suspects as deplorable, assuring that the police would thoroughly investigate the incident with the hope of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

•Photo shows officials storming the diesel adulterating factory in Oregun Ikeja, Lagos . . . on Thursday morning.

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