The management of Elegushi Private Beach has debunked the allegation by the Nigerian Navy that it is operating an illegal fuel depot on the beach facility while threatening to take legal action if the defamatory statement is not retracted.
This was disclosed during a press briefing by the management on Saturday.
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, in a statement on Tuesday, said it discovered an illegal fuel depot with about 6,5000 litres of Automative Gasoline Oil in Lekki, and arrested five suspects linked to the illegal activity after credible intelligence was received on suspicious activities that took place at Elegushi Beach.
But the beach’s Social Manager, Yusuf Olowo, said the spot where the suspects were arrested was not close to the private beach.
Olowo said, “It has come to our attention that our friends in the media mistakenly associated our beach with these illegal activities; however, the arrest was made at a house located at 3 Silverbird Road, Ilasan, Lekki.
“Upon thorough verification, including visitation by our management delegation to the specified location, it has been confirmed that this location does not share any geographical proximity with Elegushi Private Beach.
“The impact of this report, if left uncorrected, could have severe implications not only on our business but also on the trust and safety perceptions of our esteemed guests.”
While demanding a retraction from Naval authorities, Olowo said the management may consider legal action if the retraction was not done.
“Please be informed that we are prepared to take legal action to defend the reputation of Elegushi Private Beach if these corrections are not made promptly.
“We believe it is in our mutual interest to resolve this matter amicably and without recourse to legal proceedings,” Olowo said.
On his part, the Secretary of the Beach Resort, Bisiriyu Sulaimon, said the statement was capable of tarnishing the image of the facility and the Elegushi royal family.
He further noted that the Nigerian Navy had never notified the management of suspected illegal activities by criminals on their beach.
The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft had earlier said it discovered an illegal fuel depot with about 6,5000 litres of Automative gasoline oil in Lekki, Lagos State.
It said the depot was discovered at No 3 SilverBird Road, Ilasun Lekki, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and five suspects were arrested.
A statement by the Navy on the incident read, “The Nigerian Navy Ship Neecroft has discovered an illegal fuel depot and arrested five suspects at No 3 SilverBird Road, Ilasun Lekki, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The leader of the syndicate, Ahmed Ariyo, alongside four other persons, was arrested in a private apartment where they carry out their illegal activities.
“The discovery of the illegal fuel depot was sequel to credible intelligence received by NNS Beecroft on suspicious activities taking place at Elegushi beach. This necessitated the deployment of NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team to the location, which resulted in the discovery and arrest of the suspects.
“The illegal fuel depot contains eight storage tanks of 50,000 litres capacity each, laden with about 57,000 litres of AGO; a tanker laden with about 7,000 litres; a bus with 30 jerry cans laden with about 1,500 litres. The total product discovered is about 65,000 litres of AGO, which is estimated to be about N89 million based on the current price of AGO N1,350.
“While estimating the total capacity of the storage facility found in the apartment, the eight storage tanks, if filled to capacity with AGO, will be about 400,000 litres, which is approximately N500 million.”
