NSCDC arrests teenager and 3 others for owning illegal refinery

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kogi State chapter, has arrested a teenager, Simon Chokodi (16), and three others for allegedly owning an illegal refinery in Ebiya in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.

The Kogi State Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Mr. Tijani Ibrahim, while parading the suspects in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on Monday, said other suspects arrested during the operation were Sumaila Sadu (23), Yusufu Braimoh (21), and Raji Jamiu (24).

He stated that the buyer was at large.

The PRO said the command was on the trail of the suspects for three months before they were arrested.

He said, “The refinery was initially burnt down upon discovery. But the gang re-built it and started refining crude oil, and taking the product to the Adavi Local Government Area of the state for sale.”

He said the command also recovered a van and some drums of crude oil from the scene of the crime.

He warned against indulgence in economic sabotage and illegal oil refining, saying the command was ready to apprehend suspects and prosecute them according to the law.

Credit: Success Nwogu/Punch Metro