‘We’re Prioritizing Prosecution of Fuel Smugglers, Indicted Dealer Stations’- Says Customs, Justice Ministry

…As Operation Whirlwind Impounds N39m Worth of PMS In South West

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Federal Government at the weekend disclosed that it is not toying with efforts to identify, locate, arrest and prosecute fuel smugglers and indicted dealer filling stations as it pledged to up the scale in the trial and conviction of economic saboteurs bent at undermining the economic security and sovereignty of Nigeria.

This is coming on the heels of the seizures of One Thousand Five Hundred and Seventy-seven (1,577) Jerrycans of premium motor spirit (PM), known in local parlance as petrol, with a duty paid value (DPV) of Thirty Nine Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Naira only (₦39,425,000.00) only by a unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

In view of the weighty nature of fuel smuggling and its negative impact on the nation, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi said no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that fuel rogues continue to face the full wrath of the law.

The AGF who was represented by a state counsel, Mrs. Abidemi Adewumi Aluko who was at the press briefing called by the NCS to showcase the seized 46,000 litres of PMS said the OAGF will continue to synergize with the NCS and other relevant agencies of government to sustain the war on fuel theft.

“I want to sincerely appreciate the leadership of NCS for this wonderful work and also appreciate the ONSA as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for all efforts towards combating the menace in illegal dealing in petroleum products. I want to say emphatically that it will not be the usual business. As we speak we have some suspects under investigation and to be tried soon for offences of illegal dealing in petroleum products.

“It offends the provision of section 1 subsection 17 of the miscellaneous act and it attracts life imprisonment, and also sanction of fines and the forfeiture of the means of conveyance. We want to let the public know that the federal government of Nigeria is not relenting in prosecuting and bringing to book offenders of illegal dealing in petroleum products.

“To curb this menace is our collective responsibility. We crave the indulgence of the public to speak and to act when possible and when necessary.”

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, informed Pinnacle Time that whereas four suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure, he further disclosed that the Service is investigating the case and assured Nigerians of putting the suspects through legal trial to serve as deterrence to others.

The CGC who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Finance and Admin, H. K Ejibunu and who double as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, a task force unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) explained that the Service remains focused and strategic in carrying out its statutory functions; noting that its activities is underscored by the wholesome application of the standard operating procedure (SOP).

The fearless and unbendable coordinator of the task force established in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said with a feeling of pride that since inception, Operation Whirlwind ‘never fired a shot or shed blood’; explaining that in the worst of scenario, the military is invited to help contain cases of possible breach of law and order.

“In the past one year this operation started, we have not fired a shot. But in critical situations, we invite the military. If we see that the situation is becoming chaotic, we invite the military. Like it happened somewhere in Mudi, within 10 minutes, the military came and immediately they sighted the military, all of them dropped their weapons and ran away.”

According to the top customs anti-smuggling chief, despite recording huge successes in stemming the tide of fuel smuggling and diversion of petroleum products, the federal government has also resolved to profile petrol filling stations within the land border axis in order to achieve a sustained strategy at monitoring the movement of the products against smuggling and diversion.

Speaking further on the effort of government to curtail fuel smuggling across the country, the CGC through Ejibunu stated that already,an undisclosed number of indicted station dealers arrested and fined by the NMDPRA have been paying penalty fee to the federation account.

“This is because whatever suspected products and item is found in any filling station, we will hand over such filling stations to the regulatory agency. I am happy to tell you that NMDPRA has sanctioned a lot of them who have paid penalty to the coffers of the federal government.

“And like the attorney general representative said, we are trying some suspects and it is not yet uhuru, and we are grossly incompetent to expatiate on what is already under court process. But the only thing we can say is to give information to you that we have some persons under prosecution.”

On the number of those currently been prosecuted, he said, “We have two in court right now and we have two that we are still investigating to know if they are directly or remotely connected to the crime.”

Representing the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Patrick A. Musa, Assistant Director, South West, noted that efforts to holistically dismantle the cartel responsible for fuel smuggling are unremitting and unsparing; while recognising the impressive role played by the customs service.

“We want to thank officers and men of the Nigeria Customs for the work they have done so far and continue to do, they have actually shown Nigerians that they are credible, competent and capable and have the capacity to protect our border.

“NMDPRA will continue to collaborate with the customs service, the office of the national security adviser, and the office of the attorney general of the federation at curbing the menace of petrol smugglers and diversion of petroleum products by marketers.

“We are letting them know at this time that is no longer business as usual. This seizure of 1557 jerrycans of 25litres petrol is not a mean feat, so, again l wish to commend the Nigeria customs.”

Also speaking, the Customs Zonal Coordinator, ACG Charles Orbih applauded the resilience of the leader of the task force, ACG Ejibunu in frontally tackling the underworld smuggling ring.

“It is with great pride that we welcome you on this august occasion which has to do with the showcasing of our amiable and dependable Operation Whirlwind leader, the person of ACG Ejibunu for the enormous seizures that the outfit in Zone A has made in recent time. But most importantly we are showcasing petroleum products seized by officers and men of the operation whirlwind. It shows that with this outfit that was set up by the national security adviser (NSA), the NCS is capable and competent to defend, protect and project the nation’s land borders.

“The outfit has been so successful on several occasions and now, they are here again to show that their performance is endless, while the Nigeria Customs will continue to excel duty. We will continue to win the war, those perpetuating this crime should look for better things to do because the management of operation whirlwind led by ACG Ejibunu are on the ground in protecting the security and image of the nation.”

On his part, the host Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Comptroller MF Shuaibu applauded Ejibunu’s prowess in helping to decimate the fuel rogue system.

Shuaibu, a former Coordinator of the Joint Border Patrol South West Sector, said that every seizure represents a big blow to the unscrupulous smuggling underworld.

“I am delighted to be in this gathering as we witness another significant achievement by operation whirlwind in the effort to fight the illicit activities of petroleum products and to protect our economy. The recent interception made by our dedicated officers underscores the relentless commitment to grow our economy and protect citizens from untold hardship.

“This seizure represents concerted effort to combat smuggling and criminalities, as evidence of increased surveillance at our border and which reflects the tireless sacrifice and courage of officers who face risks daily to safeguard our border. It is pertinent to recognize that every success recorded is a big blow against criminal network and a step towards restoring our economic growth and job creation. “Furthermore, these seizures are testament of the NCS resolve and commitment that illicit trade and criminalities are not tolerated. While we celebrate this achievement, it is important that we remain focused on our mandate of generating revenue, suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade and to continue to foster interagency collaboration among law enforcement agencies and border communities.”

Giving the vote of thanks, the Deputy National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Kolapo Oladeji thanked the federal government for providing the NCS with the enabling logistics to prosecute the war against elements engaged in the diversion of fuel.

Describing Ejibunu as an inspiring, result getting and focused leader, Oladeji said he and officers and men of the task force are seriously understudying Ejibunu to be able to remain on the step with him as he drives the war against illicit fuel deal.