IGP recants on arrest, prosecution of petroleum offenders

The Nigeria Police Force [NPF] has found it necessary to make further clarification over the recent order by the Inspector general of Police Solomon Arase.

In a statement released on Friday, the Nigeria Police explained that the ban, arrest and prosecution of petroleum products offenders are not targeted on the masses.

Rather, “the directive was specifically targeted at those who are involved in hoarding and diverting the petroleum products.”

Below is a  copy of the directive signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, ACP Olabisi Kolawole:

IGP ORDERS THE ARREST, PROSECUTION OF PERSONS HOARDING AND DIVERTING PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

Further to the Nigeria Police Force directives on the activities of unscrupulous elements who engage in illegal sale of petroleum products, there is need to make some clarification that the directive was specifically targeted at those who are involved in hoarding and diverting the petroleum products.

However, those with genuine intention to use the products for their legal and genuine business are allowed to purchase the products.

The IGP emphasized that no stone will be left unturned by the Police to checkmate those with the attitude of causing discomfort to the innocent citizens in the country.

 Find attached a copy of the previous directive: 

IGP ORDERS THE ARREST, PROSECUTION OF PERSONS SELLING PETROL IN ‘JERRY-CANS’, PLASTIC CONTAINERS

Concerned by untold suffering as well as hazard emanating from the activities of black marketers, especially those who sell petroleum products inside plastic containers/jerry-cans, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM, has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and FCT/State Commands Commissioners of Police to arrest anybody found selling petrol and other petroleum products in plastic container.

The IGP, who issued the directives in Abuja on Monday, said apart from the hardship this act is causing to fuel buyers, it has also rendered some innocent and law abiding citizens homeless due to fire outbreak from jerry-can petrol storage. 

He noted that fuel products such as petrol are highly flammable and if not stored and handled properly, can seriously endanger people, property and the environment.

While warning fuel attendants at filling stations to desist from selling petrol inside jerry-can/plastic container, the Inspector-General of Police said both the buyers and the sellers of the products will be arrested and prosecuted under the law.

The IGP, while assuring Nigerians of the Police readiness to fulfill its constitutional mandate, appealed for a more cordial relationship between the Police and the public.

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