The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, on Tuesday said it had arrested a 25-year old suspect, Nuhu Umar, who sold adulterated engine oil to unsuspecting customers.
The State Commandant, Waziri Baba-Goni, who paraded the suspect in Gombe, said Umar was arrested following intelligence information received by personnel of his command.
Baba-Goni said the suspect was selling the adulterated engine oil at Tumfur, a suburb community in Gombe .
He said that the suspect had admitted to the crime, explaining that he was in the business with an accomplice, one Habibu Ibrahim.
He confessed to the Command that Ibrahim usually purchased the adulterated oil from Kano State and sold same to unsuspecting customers in Gombe State.
“He was arrested around Tumfure area; he sells engine oil adulterated with petrol and kerosene. We have sent samples to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for evaluation.
“But unfortunately Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said they are going to do it. Already the suspect had confessed to the crime, it was our officer who discovered the illicit place when he went to buy oil.”
While saying that investigation was on to uncover other fake engine oil dealers, Baba-Goni said the suspect would be prosecuted to deter anyone who might want to engage in the illegal business in the future.
The commandant seized the opportunity to caution residents of the state against patronising engine oil from such kind of traders.
“We want to alert the public to always buy from genuine engine oil sellers because the adulterated one is the reason most motorists regularly take their vehicles to mechanic workshop for repairs due to engine problem.”
Mr Hassan Bukar, the State Chairman, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Engine Lubricant Dealers, said the association was against such illegal business deals.
Bukar said the association had taken measures to protect motorists in the state by setting up a taskforce to check such illegal activities across the state.
Responding to questions from newsmen, the suspect explained that he got regular supply from Kano.
“I usually get supplies from Habibu Ibrahim from Kano State who processes it there; my role is to sell it here in Gombe,” he said.
According to him, 20 litres of his adulterated product sells for N21, 000 as against the N25, 000 the original product is sold for in the state (NAN)
