Police nab five for stealing N184m chemical product in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has apprehended five individuals linked to the diversion and illegal sale of agrochemical products valued at over N184 million. 

The products, owned by Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based agricultural firm, was reportedly diverted from its original route to Suleja/Abuja and redirected to Birnin Kebbi.

According to the police, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department swung into action after the company filed a complaint regarding the disappearance of a truck carrying 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide.

Investigations revealed that the driver of the truck, identified as Alhaji Bala, is believed to have orchestrated the diversion.

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.