Kebbi State Police Command has arrested five individuals over the illegal diversion and black-market sale of agrochemicals valued at over ₦184 million, originally consigned to Springfield Agro Limited, a Lagos-based firm.
According to Hobnob News, the consignment—comprising 1,925 cartons of Roundup 360XL herbicide intended for delivery to Suleja/Abuja—was rerouted without authorization to Birnin Kebbi. The truck driver, identified as Alhaji Bala, is believed to be the mastermind and remains at large.
Investigations revealed the herbicides were sold at discounted rates to unauthorized dealers. Acting swiftly, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department recovered 1,562 cartons of the chemicals and ₦4.9 million suspected to be proceeds from the illicit sales.
The arrested suspects include Nura Abdullahi (45), Nura Muhammad (50), Bashar Abubakar (45), and Sanusi Bojo (43), all from Birnin Kebbi, as well as Aliyu Muhammad (48) from Kashin Zama village in Aliero LGA.
In a statement released by Police Spokesperson Nafiu Abubakar on behalf of Commissioner of Police Bello M. Sani, the command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects—Alhaji Bala and an alleged accomplice, Alhaji Danladi Maitaki, also known as Danbatta.
Commissioner Sani commended the officers for their professionalism and directed a discreet but thorough investigation led by the Deputy Commissioner of SCID. The case is being handled under multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, theft, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.
