The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the diversion and illegal sale of agrochemical products valued at over N184 million. The products, belonging to Lagos-based company Springfield Agro Limited, were reportedly diverted while in transit to Suleja and Abuja.
According to police sources, the consignment, comprising 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide, was allegedly offloaded and sold in Birnin Kebbi. The truck driver responsible for the delivery, identified as Alhaji Bala, is currently on the run and believed to have masterminded the diversion.
Following a complaint lodged by the company, operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of 1,562 cartons of the herbicide. The police also seized N4.9 million, suspected to be proceeds from the illegal sales.
In a statement on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, identified the arrested suspects as Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), and Sanusi Bojo (43), all from Birnin Kebbi, as well as Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama, Aliero Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, praised the SCID team for their swift and professional response. He directed a thorough investigation into the matter and tasked the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the SCID with ensuring the suspects are prosecuted without delay.
The Commissioner also ordered a manhunt for the fleeing driver, Alhaji Bala, and another suspect, Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta.
