Officers of the Kebbi State Police Command have arrested five individuals in connection with the criminal diversion and illicit sale of agrochemical products valued at over ₦184 million.
The goods, which belonged to Springfield Agro Limited—a Lagos-based company—were meant for delivery to Suleja/Abuja but were illegally redirected to Birnin Kebbi.
The arrest followed a rapid response by detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department after the company reported the unlawful diversion of its consignment of 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide.
The truck driver, identified as Alhaji Bala, who allegedly orchestrated the operation, is currently on the run.
Police sources revealed that the herbicide was sold off at heavily discounted 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 named include Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), and Sanusi Bojo (43), all residents of Birnin Kebbi, as well as Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama village in Aliero Local Government Area.
“We have recovered 1,562 cartons of the diverted herbicide along with ₦4.9 million, believed to be proceeds from the illegal transactions,” the statement read.
Commending the officers for their swift and professional handling of the case, Commissioner of Police Bello M. Sani instructed the Deputy Commissioner in charge of the SCID to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the suspects are prosecuted diligently.
He also ordered intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing individuals, including the prime suspect, Alhaji Bala, and one Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, popularly known as Danbatta.
The case is being investigated under multiple offences, including criminal conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen property, and money laundering.