Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Fraudulent PMS Deal at Lagos Depot
By The The The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme involving the diversion and illegal acquisition of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a petroleum depot in Satellite Town, Lagos.
The suspects, whose ages range between 33 and 43 years, were apprehended on April 14 at about 6:00 p.m. following intelligence reports and surveillance on their activities at the depot.
According to a police source who spoke with journalists, the suspects allegedly conspired to defraud a petroleum company by presenting false pretences aimed at purchasing PMS at a price significantly lower than the official depot selling rate. The product involved in the case is reportedly owned by AA Rano Nigeria Limited, a major player in the oil and gas sector.
Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly arrived at the depot with five articulated trucks bearing different registration numbers, which were intended to be used in loading large quantities of PMS as part of the suspected fraudulent arrangement. The operation was said to be part of a larger plan involving the attempted purchase of over 60,000 litres of PMS using about 40 trucks, with irregular pricing structures and questionable documentation linked to the vehicles.
However, the alleged scheme was uncovered when the Chief Security Officer of AA Rano Nigeria Limited detected inconsistencies in the transaction process, including suspicious pricing arrangements and unverified truck details. The security officer promptly raised an alarm, which led to the immediate interception and arrest of the suspects before the operation could be completed.
One of the arrested suspects reportedly admitted involvement in the incident during preliminary questioning. He stated that the group was not affiliated with any recognised union operating within the depot and acknowledged that the transaction raised several irregularities.
Following their arrest at Agboju Police Station, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Fatai Tijani, ordered the transfer of the case file to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for a more detailed and comprehensive investigation. The case is expected to be thoroughly reviewed with a view to arraigning the suspects in court in accordance with due legal process.
The police source further disclosed that investigations had already reached an advanced stage and that the SCID was making preparations to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted appropriately.
The Commissioner of Police also commended the management of AA Rano Nigeria Limited for their vigilance and swift response, noting that their actions were instrumental in preventing what could have resulted in a significant economic loss. He further urged other operators in the oil and gas industry to emulate similar proactive security measures and promptly report suspicious activities.
In addition, the Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, especially in relation to economic and financial crimes affecting critical sectors of the economy. The Command also encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist law enforcement agencies in curbing criminal activities across the state.
