BY ERIC OLUSESAN.
The Rivers State Police command has arrested 18 persons for alleged illegal crude oil refining and exporting activities in the state.This is coming on the order gave by governor Nyesom Wike who had ordered the police force to investigate and arrest anyone involved in the illegal oil refining activities, contributing to the air pollution experienced in the state.
While Parading the suspects yesterday at the Police headquarters, Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Eboka Friday, disclosed that the suspects were arrested for engaging in illegal oil bunkering and refining activities across various locations in the state.
The police commissioner said officers of the command also impounded two tankers and two large trucks used for illegal storage and transportation of crude oil.
He further explained that five suspects of the arrested suspects are from one particular family in Mgbu-Atafa village of Emohua Local Government Area.
Eboka revealed that the suspects were arrested for providing land for use in illegal oil refining and bunkering activities.
The commissioner, however, warned all individuals, families and communities in Rivers state to desist from cooperating with persons engaged in such illegal activities, saying, “anyone or group of persons found to be complicit in such activities will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.