Operatives of the Abia State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) have arrested 52 suspected dealers on adultrated diesel as it shut down over 30 shops in and around the motor park section of Ama Hausa Market in Aba.
These are coming barely four days after the command paraded two suspected oil thieves and pipeline vandals who were arrested at Owaza in Ukwa West local government area of the state.
Addressing newsmen after parading the suspects and conducting newsmen around the shops, the Commandant, Usman Alfadarai, described the suspects as economic saboteurs to the country.
“The act of oil-theft and illegal refining of petroleum products in the country is a syndicate work, and we’re bent on dislodging the syndicate for the peace and security of the country,” he noted.
Alfadarai explained that six of the vehicles parked at the park had been identified to be fully loaded with the products ready for distribution to different parts of the country.
The commandant said the command is not only concerned that the suspects are dealing on adultrated products, but is also worried about the volume of the product in the shops and the danger to the people.
“The volume of the product poses great danger to the thousands of people who converge daily in the market for different business activities and the surrounding environment.
“Right now, because of safety concern, activities in the section have been suspended because we cannot allow the people to endanger their lives. Any spark of fire here can engulf the entire market and the environment,” Alfadarai said.
He said investigation will commence immediately while assuring that innocent ones among the suspects will be released while those culpable will be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, some of the suspects, Musa Ladan, Adaku Uju, and Greg Ibekwe denied involvement in the activities, claiming to have been at the park for legitimate business.
