Lagos task force nabs six illegal fuel marketers

Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Tuesday arrested six persons suspected of being involved in the illegal sale of petroleum products in different parts of the state.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs of the task force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the illegal sale of fuel in gallons put members of the public at risk.

He added that the suspects were caught while hawking petrol and selling it to motorists at exorbitant prices along the Maryland, Charity, and Fadeyi areas of the state.

Abdulraheem stressed that such practices further exacerbated the challenges faced by residents amidst the ongoing fuel scarcity.

He identified the suspects as Toibu Ishola, Yakubu Olayiwola, Adebayo Rasak, Maria Balogun, Motunrayo Dosunmu, and John Ogunfowokan.

In his words, “The Lagos State Task Force today conducted a sweeping operation from Fadeyi down to Maryland, and Charity Bus Stop down to Airport Road, where six suspects involved in the illegal sale and display of petroleum products were apprehended.

“These individuals were caught red-handed hawking petrol to motorists at exorbitant rates, thereby further exacerbating the already intense situation faced by many Lagosians.

“The six suspects, Toibu Ishola, 44; Yakubu Olayiwola, 34; Adebayo Rasak, 29; Maria Balogun, 50; Motunrayo Dosunmu, 43; and John Ogunfowokan will be charged in court, and the petroleum products seized will be forfeited to the state government through the court.”

Stressing the reaction of the agency’s chairman to the arrest, Abdulraheem added that the agency would continue to clamp down on black market operators to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to the illegal sale of petroleum products in any part of the state to the agency.

“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 a catastrophic fire disaster.

“The agency also urges the public to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal storage and sale of petroleum products, warning those involved in such practices that they will be met with the full force of the law.

“The Lagos State Task Force will continue to clamp down on these merchants or any other individuals involved in activities that could be harmful to the environment and pose a threat to the safety and well-being of Lagosians,” Abdulraheem concluded.