The police command in Lagos has arrested 26 suspects over counterfeit currency and adulterated diesel in the Eti-Osa and Lekki areas.
The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. She said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a joint operation conducted by police officers and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline.
According to her, a total of N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The spokesperson said investigations revealed that four of the suspects were directly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated diesel and engine oil, locally known as ‘rice and beans’.
“The illicit product was sold to unsuspecting motorists across the area. Two other suspects were identified as suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products,” she said.
Preliminary investigations, the release stated, showed that Abubakar Rilean (40 years), Abubakar Abdullahi (35 years), Adamu Ibrahim Jora (35 years), and Michael John (30 years) were involved in “the production and distribution of adulterated engine oil/diesel, popularly known as ‘rice and beans,’ which they sold to unsuspecting and innocent motorists.”
Two others, Ichapi Moses (30 years) and Samson Adike (28 years), were identified as suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned individuals across the state engaging in unlawful acts to desist, declaring that the Command was “intensifying efforts and closing in strongly on perpetrators.”
He added: “Anyone found engaging in acts capable of endangering public peace, damaging vehicles, or threatening economic stability will face the full weight of the law.”
Reassuring residents, CP Jimoh said the Command remained fully in control of the security situation.
The CP stated: “The state is safe and there is no room for criminals or their unlawful activities. The safety and well-being of all residents remain the Command’s top priority.”
The public was urged to support ongoing security efforts, as the police emphasised that “credible and timely information” remained essential to crime prevention and arrests.