The joint inspection adopted intelligence that uncovered what investigators described as a well-fenced, crude however technically subtle refinery occupying over three hectares of land.
DAILY POST, which joined the inspection group, noticed underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil, waste merchandise from refining, and substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, in any other case often known as diesel.
During the inspection, NMDPRA officers sealed the ability.
Speaking with newsmen, Ogun State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Dr Atilola Akinyemi, stated the ability was an entire illegality with no allow from any regulatory authority.
He stated the underground storage facility behind the location has an estimated capability of greater than 90,000 litres, with underground heating programs, water hydrants for cooling, domestically fabricated tanks and silos for separation.
“This facility you see here is very crude and completely illegal. This is not a refinery by any standard. It does not have a permit from any regulatory authority and its operations are unknown to the relevant authorities,” Akinyemi stated.
“They appear to be technically skilled people who have deliberately designed this facility to circumvent government regulations. When we examine their final product, it may look like diesel to the average person, but we cannot classify it as diesel until laboratory tests have been conducted,” he warned.
Akinyemi stated if such adulterated merchandise discover their approach into the market, automobiles and engines could be uncovered to severe dangers, including that every one merchandise recovered have now been confiscated by the Federal Government.
The EFCC, Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, who led the operation, disclosed that the illegal refinery was found via whistleblowing.
“What we have seen here is an illegal refinery with a complete setup, featuring all the processes through which sludge passes before being converted into what is commonly referred to as diesel. Judging by the nature of this facility, it has been operating for years,” Kaltungo stated.
Kaltungo stated the identical Ogere axis has develop into a hub of illegal actions by overseas nationals, recalling that 14 Chinese nationals have been arrested per week earlier over illegal lithium processing.
“Some of them had passports, while others did not. Even among those who had passports, we discovered that some of their visas had expired about three months earlier. Yet, there were still individuals operating there without passports,” he stated.
He vowed that the last word house owners, who’re primarily based in China, will likely be introduced again to Nigeria to reply for his or her actions.
Also talking, Director, Department of Proceeds of Crime Management, EFCC, Mr. Gbolahan Latona, harped on the necessity for Nigerians to be patriotic and work collectively for the event of the nation.
“Imagine allowing saboteurs like these to operate freely and undermine the efforts of legitimate investors like Dangote Refinery. Ultimately, it is Nigerians who will suffer,” he stated.
“If we genuinely want this country to become better for all of us, we must collectively work together to put an end to these kinds of criminal activities,” Latona acknowledged.
He stated upon conclusion of investigation, the suspects could have their day in court docket and proceeds of crime will likely be put to significant use.
“Once investigation has been concluded and sufficient evidence gathered, they will have their day in court. That is essentially the process. They will face prosecution, and if convicted, the proceeds of their crimes will be forfeited to the government and subsequently put to appropriate use,” he added.
