Police bust ‘big’ importer, distributor of adulterated engine oil in Lagos

By Deborah Akpede

Police operatives have arrested a 26-year-old suspect allegedly behind the production, importation and distribution of adulterated engine oil from Lagos across Nigeria.

The suspect confessed to masterminding the production and importation of adulterated engine oil products from China before distributing them to many states, the spokesperson for Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, Gbenga Afolayan, confirmed in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Afolayan, a deputy superintendent of police said detectives began investigation of the suspect following a petition written to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, alleging illegal adulteration of an engine oil product.

“The matter was promptly referred to the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit for discreet investigation.

“A team of detectives from the unit apprehended the suspect, who confessed to masterminding the production and importation of adulterated engine oil products from China before distributing them across multiple states.

“During intelligence-led raids, officers recovered 280 gallons of adulterated engine oils from locations in Imo, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, and Ogun,” he said.

Afolayan said that the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) confirmed that the seized products failed to meet Nigerian Industrial Standards, corroborating the allegations.

The image maker said that Fayoade reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting consumers, safeguarding legitimate businesses, and ensuring that perpetrators of economic crimes face the law.

The spokesperson urged members of the public to report complaints through phone at 09062011772 or 08166350754, or through social media: X @Zone_2PPRO, Instagram: Zone2_policeng, or email [email protected].

(NAN)