NSCDC Discovers Illegal Refinery in Imo State
Busolami Idowu
Officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have uncovered an illegal mini refinery located at Ahiajoku Estate along Onitsha expressway in Owerri the Imo State capital in south eastern Nigeria.
The Imo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adamu Soja, said on Saturday in Owerri, that he led some officials to the premises and realized that the place was a mini illegal refinery.
He said that bunker and adulterated oil products were refined in a local way and sold out to unsuspected public as fuel, diesel and kerosene.
“We got an intelligence report about the activities of some group who carry out these nefarious activities along Onitsha road within the Owerri municipal in a well fenced uncompleted building,” he explained.
The officials have sealed off the compound and have begun investigations into the crime.
Six people have been arrested in connection to the crime. Mr Soja reiterated the commitment of the command to ensuring that economic saboteurs and vandals were not given any room to operate in the state.
One of the prime suspects, Mrs. Chinyere Nwadike, who is the owner of the business and main dealer, denied all allegations levelled against her.
“I deal in the sales of Kerosene and Diesel and I buy straight from NNPC,” she claimed.
Some of the items recovered are 10 drums of adulterated crude oil, pumping machine, over 20 pieces of gallons.