31/10/2011 (Leadership Newspapers) - Adulterated palm oil which flooded various markets in Asaba, Delta State has been  traced to a mastermind arrested with several qualities by operatives of Asaba Community Policing (ACP).

Although the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime,LEADERSHIP SUNDAYsaid the “fake oil” was allegedly manufactured in Ihiala, Abia State where it is being exported to Asaba markets for sale.

The suspect identified as Kinsley Otigbu, was reportedly picked up by operatives of ACP in Asaba who acted on tip-off of the illicit sale of the “fake oil product”.

However, Otigbu, is alleged to have specialised in the adulteration of palm oil with water and other chemicals.

Hundreds of traders in various markets in Asaba, our checks revealed had been gripped in fears of the unknown over the many confessions of the suspect to the “fake oil” production.

The 36 years old suspect, and  a father of three children who  hails from Orlu in Imo state, was alleged to have been operating the “fake oil” product in Asaba markets in the last three years before the bubble burst.

Upon interrogations by the ACP operatives, the suspect disclosed that he has a factory in Ihiala where he perfects the “fake oil” adding that he was trained in the business by one Ike in Kawo Local Government Area of Kaduna State where he also lived for some time before he moved into Ihiala to establish his own factory.

ACP boss, Mr. Nnamdi Chukwedo, told newsmen in Asaba yesterday that the suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution adding that the suspect confessed to selling the product for between N4,500 and N5,000 and often times distributed the “products” to markets in Asaba, Onitsha and markets in other parts of the country.

Victims of the “fake oil” dealer, Felicia Ikekpua, Happiness Sunday among others said they noticed the fraud after buying from the suspect and drew the attention of ACP which led to his arrest.