Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it arrested a 25-year-old man, Nuhu Umar, who sold adulterated engine oil to unsuspecting customers.

State Commandant Waziri Baba-Goni, said the corps arrested Mr Umar following intelligence information received by personnel of his command.

“He was arrested around the Tumfure area; he sells engine oil adulterated with petrol and kerosene. We have sent samples to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for evaluation.

“But unfortunately the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said they are going to do it. Already the suspect had confessed to the crime; it was our officer who discovered the illicit place when he went to buy oil.”

While saying that investigation was on to uncover other fake engine oil dealers, Mr Baba-Goni said the suspect would be prosecuted to deter anyone who might want to engage in the illegal business in the future.

The commandant seized the opportunity to caution residents of the state against patronising engine oil from such traders.

Hassan Bukar, the state chairman of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Engine Lubricant Dealers, said the association was against such illegal business deals.

Mr Bukar said the association had taken measures to protect motorists by setting up a task force to check such illegal activities across the state.

The suspect said that he sells 20 litres of adulterated product for N21,000, as against the price of N25,000 for the original product.

(NAN)