Operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command have successfully arrested five suspects involved in the diversion and sale of agrochemical products worth over ₦184 million. The products belonged to Springfield Agro Limited, a company based in Lagos.
The arrests followed an operation by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) after Springfield Agro Limited reported that their consignment of 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide, intended for delivery to Suleja/Abuja, was unlawfully diverted to Birnin Kebbi.
The truck driver, identified as Alhaji Bala, is believed to have masterminded the diversion, and he is currently at large. Police sources revealed that the herbicide was then sold at significantly reduced prices to unauthorized dealers.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Kebbi State, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, the five arrested suspects were identified as:
Nura Abdullahi (45)
Nura Muhammad (50)
Bashar Abubakar (45)
Sanusi Bojo (43)
Aliyu Muhammad (48)
The suspects are all from Birnin Kebbi town, except for Aliyu Muhammad, who is from Kashin Zama village in Aliero Local Government Area.
According to the statement, 1,562 cartons of the diverted herbicide were recovered, along with N4.9 million in cash, which is believed to be the proceeds from the illegal sales.
Commissioner of Police Bello Sani commended the detectives for their swift and professional response to the case. He also directed the deputy commissioner in charge of SCID to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the prosecution of those involved.
Additionally, the police chief urged officers to intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects, including the fleeing truck driver, Alhaji Bala, and Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta.
