Five arrested for diverting Kebbi’s N184m agrochemicals

Operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command have arrested five suspects in connection with the criminal diversion and sale of agrochemical products worth over N184m, belonging to Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based company.

The suspects were arrested following a swift 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 Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the suspects arrested were 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 N4.9m, believed to be proceeds from the illegal sales,” the statement read.

Commending the detectives for their prompt and professional response, Commissioner of Police, Bello M. 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.

The case, which involves multiple charges including criminal conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property, and money laundering, remains under investigation.