Mohammed Shosanya
The Lagos State Taskforce,has arrested six suspects involved in the illegal sale and display of petroleum products in the state .
They were apprehended when the Force conducted a sweeping operation from Fadeyi down to Maryland and Charity Bus Stop to Airport Road,in Lagos.
The six suspects,Toibu ishola 44, Yakubu Olayiwola 34,Adebayo Rasak 29,Maria Balogun 50,Motunrayo Dosunmu 43, John Ogunfowokan will be charged to court,while the petroleum products seized will be forfeitted to the state government through the court.
A press release from the agency, said, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the Chairman of the Agency, who led the operations disclosed that the current fuel scarcity is no excuse for miscreants to exploit Lagosians through hoarding large quantity of petrol in gallons and kegs, only to resell them on the streets at exorbitant prices.
He stressed that the unscrupulous practice not only burdens already struggling motorists but poses significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.
“We are committed to curbing these illegal activities and ensuring that the safety and well-being of the public are not compromised. The actions of these black market operators are not only cruel but also a severe threat to public safety, as the improper handling and storage of petrol could lead to catastrophic fire disaster”.
He warned individual or groups,who connive with petrol stations to sell petroleum products to desist forthwith or risk being arrested.
He urged members of the public to report any suspicious collaborations between any elements involved in the sale of petrol illegaly in order to forestall any disasters.
He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal storage and sales of petroleum products, warning those involved in such practices that they will be met with the full force of the law, the release added.
Adding that the Lagos State Taskforce will continue to clamp down on these sets of merchants or any other individuals involved in activities that could be harmful to the environment and poses a threat to safety and wellbeing of Lagosians.
He assured that safety, serenity and habitability of the residents and visitors of the metropolis are not undermined in any form.
