By Akpos Oje
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested five individuals in connection with the illegal diversion and sale of agrochemical products worth over N184 million, property of Lagos-based Springfield Agro Limited.
The arrests followed a detailed investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) after the company reported the disappearance of a shipment containing 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide. The consignment, originally destined for Suleja and Abuja, was allegedly diverted and offloaded in Birnin Kebbi.
The truck driver assigned to the delivery, identified as Alhaji Bala, is currently on the run and is suspected to have masterminded the operation.
Preliminary findings indicate that the stolen agrochemicals were sold at significantly reduced prices to unauthorized dealers. Acting on intelligence, detectives recovered 1,562 cartons of the herbicide and confiscated N4.9 million believed to be proceeds from the illicit sales.
Confirming the development, Police Public Relations Officer CSP Nafiu Abubakar named the arrested suspects as Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), Sanusi Bojo (43), all residents of Birnin Kebbi, and Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama in Aliero Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, praised the SCID team for their swift and professional work. He has ordered a full investigation and directed the Deputy Commissioner of SCID to ensure a diligent prosecution.
The CP also called for intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects, including the fugitive driver Alhaji Bala and another suspect, Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta.
