Lagos Police bust 26-Man Ring selling fake diesel, cash

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a fraudulent operation in Eti-Osa, Lekki, leading to the arrest of 26 suspects allegedly involved in counterfeit currency circulation and the production of adulterated diesel sold to unsuspecting motorists.

The suspects were arrested on 27 November, 2025 at about 1:30 p.m. in a joint operation between police operatives and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI).

During the raid, officers recovered counterfeit notes amounting to ₦951,300 from the suspects’ premises, signalling what authorities describe as a coordinated economic sabotage plot.

Preliminary investigations revealed the activities of four key suspects-Abubakar Rilean (40), Abubakar Abdullahi (35), Adamu Ibrahim Jora (35), and Michael John (30), who police say were operating an illegal production and distribution network for adulterated diesel and engine oil, widely referred to as “rice and beans” among criminal dealers.

The fake petroleum products were allegedly sold to unsuspecting motorists across the area.

Two others, Ichapi Moses (30) and Samson Adike (28), have been identified as suppliers funnelling the adulterated products into the Lekki and Eti-Osa axis.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a stern warning to criminal groups across Lagos, insisting that the command is tightening its operations and intensifying daily raids on criminal hideouts.

He declared that anyone involved in activities capable of breaching public peace, damaging vehicles, or undermining economic stability would “face the full weight of the law.”

Jimoh reassured residents that Lagos remains safe, emphasising the command’s ongoing show-of-force patrols and routine convoy movements across area commands and divisions.

He noted that the police are “firmly on top of the security situation” and will not allow room for unlawful operations to flourish.

The police called on Lagos residents to continue providing credible intelligence to help track down criminal networks and maintain the peace and security the state is known for.