A factory where alleged fake and adulterated fertilisers were being manufactured has been discovered in Kaduna State.
The suspected manufacturers were caught packaging the products with the Federal Government logo, and with the aim of selling it as the product of Presidential Fertiliser Initiative.
The factory was discovered by Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams at Dala village, via Gwargwaji, on the Zaria Birnin Gwari Road of the state.
Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams in a joint operation with the Zaria Police Area Command said it made the discovery around 10:00pm on Wednesday night, following a tipoff.
A statement yesterday in Kaduna by the Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan said: “Immediately, a team of detectives from Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams and the Zaria Police Area Command led by Insp. Saleh Yakubu stormed the illegal factory at Dalavillage, three (3) principal suspects were arrested namely: Mohammed Lawal Ashiru alias Baba Karami, Amadu Bello Suleiman and Anas Suleiman.
“Exhibits recovered during the raid include a mixing/sealing machine, 226 bags of pure Indorama Urea Fertiliser, 375 bags of adulterated fertilizer with the label FGN Presidential Fertilizer Initiative carrying the logo of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Others are: 450 empty bags with the same logo, some reasonable quantity of sand used in the adulteration process. Meanwhile, the suspects and the items recovered were handed over to the Zaria Area Police Command for further investigation and that the suspects are currently assisting with investigations towards tracing more illegal factories and arresting the manufacturers while investigation into the criminal profiles of the suspects is in progress for possible prosecution”, the statement read.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai has however directed, that the matter be investigated and the suspects charged to court.