Petrol Souvenir: The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, has ordered the arrest of the host of an event in the Oniru area of the state where petrol was handed out as souvenirs to attendees in kegs.
The police spokesman in the state, Adekunle Ajisebutu, made this known in a statement on Saturday, adding that the act was “reprehensible”.
The statement was titled, ‘Re: Viral video showing Distribution of PMS as souvenir’.
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It partly read, “It’s regrettable that in spite of series of warnings and sensitisations carried out by the Police and other relevant government agencies, some individuals could be handling such combustible substance (Petrol Souvenir) in a public place in total disregard to safety of lives and properties.
“Still concerned about the safety, and protection of lives and properties of citizens, the Lagos State Police Command once again appeals to citizens to avoid this kind of condemnable act in the name of generosity.
“Although the event centre where the distribution of the Petrol Souvenir took place has been located and subsequently sealed, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, fdc, mnim, has in addition, ordered the arrest of all persons involved in this regrettable and reprehensible act.”
For weeks, Lagos residents as well as other Nigerians have been gasping in petrol scarcity, despite the Federal Government’s many promises that sufficient fuel has been released to oil marketers.
Long queues have persisted at filling stations for over a month even as motorists buy a litre of petrol for over N200 in some places. The astronomic rise in the cost of fuel and the difficulty to get Premium Motor Spirit has made transport fares jump up with commuters groaning under the high cost of movement.
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It was gathered that the party where the product, Petrol Souvenir was distributed to guests was organised to celebrate the coronation of a popular fashion stylist, Pearl Chidinma Ogbulu, as Erelu Okin by an Ogun State monarch, the Olu of Kemta, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuoso.
The video went viral early yesterday, showing Fuji star, Malaika, singing close to where the kegs of Petrol Souvenir were arranged to be distributed to guests. The incident happened amid petrol shortage in Lagos and across the country which has forced residents to spend hours at filling stations and other sources, looking for the product.
The video Petrol Souvenir has continued to generate reactions from members of the public.
The celebrant apologised for her ‘indiscretion’
Meanwhile, Ogbulu has apologized for the kegs of fuel shared as souvenirs at her installation party.
The celebrant, on her Instagram page, wrote:
“I want to use this medium to apologize for the momentary indiscretion of bringing fuel souvenirs into the hall.
“My intent was just to show appreciation to my guests for turning up at the event at these hard times. I have paused to reflect and truly apology