The Surveillance, Investigation, and Monitoring (SIM) Unit of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has arrested a lubricant adulterating syndicate, Chizoba Emmanuel, in Lagos State.
The suspect was arrested at 25 Isoko Street, Sunny Bus-stop, Ojo.
Emmanuel, who was found on the premises with various drums of base oil and empty drums used to mix and repackage the substandard lubricants, was arrested during a sting operation by the agency’s team. He also had used lubricant plastics, several cartons of two popular brands of engine oil, and a repackaging machine.
Director-General of SON, Malam Farouk Salim, described the discovery as shocking, stating that it was a wake-up call for Nigerians and particularly the organisation.
Salim, who was represented by the Coordinator of SIM Unit, Mr. Suleiman Isa, during the operation, said SON would continue to discharge its responsibilities in spite of activities of unscrupulous persons bent on cheating Nigerians.
According to him, despite SON’s several arrests in the past, deviant Nigerians still persist in the act of adulterating engine oil and selling it to unsuspecting Nigerians.
“SON will not relent in the ongoing fight against unscrupulous elements who persist in defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians through their dubious acts,” he said.
Salim advised importers and local manufacturers to always uphold international best practices in all their undertakings to ensure a vibrant economy that would strengthen businesses.
He also gave the assurance that SON would continue to intensify efforts to apprehend criminals perpetrating such acts through discreet information gathering and arrests.
He added that this would go a long way in ensuring that only standard goods and products gain access into the country.
Salim urged Nigerians to come up with useful information in supporting the battle against substandard products by reporting to SON any unwholesome practice in the manufacturing of products.
The SIM team carried out the operation alongside men of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) who apprehended the suspect.
