Lagos Arrests Six Petrol Hawkers
The Lagos State Taskforce, on Tuesday, arrested six petrol hawkers in different locations around the mainland area of the state.
The suspects are Toibu Ishola, 44; Yakubu Olayiwola, 34; Adebayo Rasak, 29; Maria Balogun, 50; Motunrayo Dosunmu, 43; and John Ogunfowokan.
Their arrest followed operations carried out from Fadeyi down to Maryland, and Charity Bus Stop down to Airport Road.
According to the agency, the individuals were caught red-handed hawking petrol to motorists at exorbitant rates, “thereby further exacerbating the already intense situation faced by many Lagosians.”
The Chairman of the agency, Adetayo Akerele, who led the operations said the current fuel scarcity is no excuse for miscreants to exploit Lagosians by purchasing large quantities of petrol in gallons and kegs, only to resell them on the streets at exorbitant prices.
He noted that this “unscrupulous practice” not only burdens already struggling motorists but also poses significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.
“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 catastrophic fire disaster,” Akerele was quoted as saying in a statement by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Press & Public Affairs.
He warned those conniving with petrol stations to sell petroleum products to desist forthwith or risk being arrested, urging residents to report any suspicious collaborations between any elements involved in the sale of petrol illegaly in order to forestall any disaster.
The suspects would be charged to court, and the petroleum products seized from them forfeited to the state government through the court.
Lagos Arrests Six Petrol Hawkers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
