The Nigeria Police Force has arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged petroleum fraud scheme involving Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in a satellite town in Lagos.
The suspects, aged between 33 and 43, were reportedly apprehended on April 14 at about 6:00 p.m. after allegedly attempting to obtain PMS belonging to AA Rano Nigeria Limited through fraudulent means.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed that the suspects were allegedly offered to purchase the product below the approved depot price, using false pretences to deceive officials at the facility.
According to her, the suspects brought five articulated trucks bearing different registration numbers to the depot as part of the operation.
One of the suspects, who reportedly admitted involvement, told investigators that the group was not affiliated with any recognised union operating at the depot.
He further disclosed that they attempted to purchase more than 60,000 litres of PMS using about 40 trucks with questionable pricing arrangements and unverified vehicle details.
The irregularities were said to have been uncovered by the Chief Security Officer of AA Rano Nigeria Limited, who ordered the immediate arrest of the suspects before handing them over to the police.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Fatai Tijani, subsequently directed that the case be transferred from Agboju Divisional Police Station to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation under the supervision of DCP Dayo Akinbisehin.
The police commissioner commended the management of AA Rano Nigeria Limited for promptly alerting the authorities and urged other operators in the oil and gas sector to emulate the company’s vigilance in tackling criminal activities.
The image maker said investigations have been concluded and the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court soon in line with the law.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
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