A complex case of diverted agricultural goods has led to the arrest of five suspects in Kebbi State, following a months-long criminal investigation into the illicit handling and sale of a commercial consignment initially bound for Abuja and Suleja.
Authorities confirmed the seizure of 1,562 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide, part of a larger shipment belonging to Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based agricultural supply company. The total consignment, comprising 1,925 cartons, was meant for distribution outside Kebbi State but was intercepted and offloaded in Birnin Kebbi, without authorisation or documentation.
Among those arrested were individuals residing in Birnin Kebbi: Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), Sanusi Bojo (43), and Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama in Aliero Local Government Area. All are currently being held pending prosecution.
At the heart of the investigation lies the alleged role of Alhaji Bala, the assigned truck driver, now a fugitive. Also evading arrest is Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta, who police believe conspired in the diversion of the goods. Both men are subjects of ongoing search efforts.
Authorities disclosed that ₦4.9 million in cash, suspected to be revenue from the unauthorised sale of the stolen herbicide, was recovered during operations led by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
In a statement, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Kebbi State Police Command, confirmed that the suspects face charges under sections relating to criminal conspiracy, theft, handling of stolen goods, and financial crimes.
“A discreet investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani, and the command is committed to pursuing the remaining suspects,” Abubakar said.