Operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command have arrested five suspects in connection with the diversion and sale of agrochemical products worth over N184 million belonging to Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based company.
The suspects were arrested following an operation by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department after the company reported that its consignment of 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide, meant for delivery to Suleja/Abuja, was unlawfully diverted to Birnin Kebbi.
The truck driver, identified as Alhaji Bala, was alleged to have masterminded the diversion and is currently at large.
According to police sources, the herbicide was sold at significantly reduced prices to unauthorised dealers.
In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police on Thursday, the suspects arrested include Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), Sanusi Bojo (43), all from Birnin Kebbi town, and Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama village in Aliero Local Government Area.
“We recovered 1,562 cartons of the diverted herbicide and N4.9 million, believed to be proceeds from the illegal sales,” the statement added.
Commending the detectives for their prompt and professional response, Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, directed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of SCID to conduct a discreet investigation and ensure diligent prosecution of the case.
He also urged the officers to intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects, including the truck driver, Alhaji Bala, and one Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta.
