The Ogun State Government has shut down African Refractory and Allied Products Limited (ARAP), Ogijo, a ramming production company that crushes quartz stones into fine powder for furnace linings in steel companies, following a viral video involving a former employee.
In the video, Bartholomew Aniemeka alleged that he contracted a contagious disease, which he identified as silicosis, while working at the company before leaving in June 2025.
Speaking during a fact-finding visit to the facility alongside officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, stated that the company would remain shut pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.
He assured the public that the state government is fully on top of the situation. Bartholomew, who is currently in stable condition at TopMed Hospital in Ogijo and accompanied by his sister, has been assured of proper medical care. A series of medical tests is set to be conducted to determine his true health status. The Commissioner added that the government will ensure a thorough investigation and bring the matter to a logical conclusion.
This is the viral video that was posted on Facebook yesterday by Odogwukiwi. Someone mentioned my name and ress mt attention to it. I escalated it with my egbon, Hon. Ola Oresanya, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment who swiftly moved in today for
