The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Satellite Town, raising fresh concerns about irregularities in Nigeria’s fuel distribution chain.

The suspects, aged between 33 and 43, were apprehended on 14 April at about 6:00 p.m., according to police sources.

Authorities say the group allegedly attempted to procure PMS at below the official depot price using false pretences, with the product belonging to AA Rano Nigeria Limited.

What happened

Police sources told journalists that the suspects brought five articulated trucks with different number plates to a depot as part of the alleged operation.

One of the suspects, who admitted involvement, said the group did not belong to any recognised union operating at the depot.

“We attempted to purchase over 60,000 litres of PMS using about 40 trucks, with suspicious pricing arrangements and unverified truck numbers,” he said.

The irregularities were detected by the company’s Chief Security Officer, who ordered their immediate arrest before handing them over to the police.

Police response and investigation

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, directed that the case be transferred from Agboju Police Station to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti for further investigation.

The SCID, led by Dayo Akinbisehin, is now handling the case.

Police sources say investigations have been concluded and the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court soon.

The police command reiterated its “commitment to safeguarding lives and property” and urged the public to provide timely information.

Why it matters

Fuel distribution remains a sensitive sector in Nigeria’s economy, with PMS pricing and supply chains often vulnerable to fraud, diversion, and black-market activities.

Experts say such schemes can distort pricing, create artificial scarcity, and undermine trust in the system.

The swift detection of the alleged fraud highlights the role of private sector vigilance in supporting law enforcement efforts.

Industry reactions

The police commended AA Rano Nigeria Limited for promptly alerting authorities and preventing what could have been a larger-scale diversion.

Officials also urged other operators in the oil and gas sector to adopt similar proactive security measures.

Energy analysts note that collaboration between depot operators and security agencies is key to maintaining transparency and stability in fuel distribution.

What’s next

The suspects are expected to face prosecution in line with Nigerian law.

Authorities say further investigations could uncover wider networks or similar schemes within the sector.

The Delta State Police Command has ordered the summary trial of two officers captured in a viral video allegedly collecting money from a motorist using a POS machine inside a police station.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on 13 January 2026 at ‘C’ Division in Asaba, has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over police misconduct in Nigeria.

What happened

According to the police, the video shows officers demanding payment from a motorist within the station premises, an act the command described as “embarrassing” and “unprofessional.”

In a statement issued on 16 April 2026, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the conduct was “inexcusable and unpardonable.”

“The incident… is not only embarrassing but also unprofessional and conduct unbecoming of police officers. The command condemns the act in totality as no citizen deserved to be treated in such a manner by the police.”

Officers face disciplinary trial

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered an orderly room trial for the officers involved Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim.

Police authorities say the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public once concluded.

“The orderly room trial of the officers… has commenced, and upon the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the outcome will be made public.”

Zero tolerance for extortion

The Commissioner reiterated that the action violates directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prohibit extortion and the use of POS or electronic payment platforms in police formations.

“No officer is authorized to demand or receive money from any member of the public under any guise.”

The command stressed that such practices undermine public trust and contradict ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

Why it matters

The case highlights persistent concerns about extortion and abuse of office among law enforcement officers in Nigeria.

Despite repeated reforms and public complaints channels, incidents like this continue to surface, often through viral social media videos.

For many Nigerians, the use of POS machines in police stations represents a new dimension of alleged extortion making transactions faster, traceable, and, in some cases, more brazen.

Public reaction and accountability

Civil society groups and citizens have increasingly relied on digital evidence to expose misconduct.

The Delta Police Command acknowledged the role of the public in bringing the incident to light.

“The CP appreciates concerned members of the public for bringing the actions of these recalcitrant officers to the notice of the command.”

Residents and advocacy groups say transparency in the outcome of the trial will be key to rebuilding trust.

What’s next

Police authorities say disciplinary measures will serve as a deterrent to other officers.

The Commissioner also reminded personnel to respect citizens’ rights in line with the 1999 Constitution.

Members of the public are encouraged to report misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit via 09155570008 and 09011112311.

The family of Mr Akintayo Olanrewaju, a driver employed by the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ifako, Ijaye, Lagos State, has raised concerns over his sudden disappearance.

Olanrewaju was last seen on Friday morning, when he left home to retrieve a faulty official vehicle from a mechanic. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.

“On Friday morning, he told them at home that he was going to the mechanic to retrieve the vehicle so he could take it back to the office. That was the last time he was seen,” said Pastor Ben Oyebanji, Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Revival Chapel, Abule-Egba, who has been assisting the family.

Conflicting Accounts Raise Alarm

Several days into the search, the family says there has been little progress. Pastor Oyebanji expressed concerns about what he described as a lack of urgency from both the LCDA authorities and the police.

He explained that Olanrewaju initially contacted the official mechanic on Thursday after the vehicle developed a fault. The mechanic reportedly came to pick up the car, but when asked, claimed not to have seen Olanrewaju on the day he went missing.

Meanwhile, the Personal Assistant to the LCDA Vice Chairman said he spoke with Olanrewaju on the morning of his disappearance. The driver allegedly informed him he did not have money to get to the workshop and asked for a bank transfer. Attempts to reach Olanrewaju later were unsuccessful.

“There are too many unanswered questions. What is really happening? These conflicting accounts are why people are getting worried,” Pastor Oyebanji said.

Concerns About Official Response

The cleric criticized the LCDA authorities for leaving the family to handle the search and for not immediately reporting the disappearance to the police.

“The local government people are not forthcoming. They are the ones who are supposed to go to the police station and make official complaints, but they left everything to the family,” Oyebanji said.

He added that police action only began after he personally accompanied the family to the station.

“They made a report earlier, but nothing had been done until I got there. Only then did they talk about reaching out to other stations,” he noted.

Why It Matters

The case highlights concerns about safety and accountability for public servants in Lagos. Families of missing persons often face delays in official responses, raising questions about institutional support and the efficiency of law enforcement.

Authorities have yet to provide an update on the investigation.