By Paul Iyoghojie
Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, have arrested a 55-year-old man, Aliyu Idris, for allegedly receiving and dealing in stolen agrochemical products valued at ₦200 million.
Idris was subsequently arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on Lagos Island on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.
According to police authorities, the agrochemical, belonging to Agro Chemical Nigeria Limited, was reportedly diverted while in transit from Shagamu, Ogun State, to a customer in Minna, Niger State.
Investigators alleged that the complainant had engaged a truck driver in Apapa, Lagos, to transport the consignment.
However, the driver allegedly conspired with accomplices, now at large, to divert the goods and sell them to Idris, who was said to have purchased the items despite knowing they were stolen.
The case came to light after the complainant lost contact with the truck driver and raised the alarm, prompting a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh.
Police said the AIG directed a team of detectives to track down those involved, leading to the arrest of Idris at a hideout in Lagos through intelligence gathering.
Following investigations led by Inspector Andrew Modom, the defendant, a resident of the Alaba Rago area of Okokomaiko, was charged with offences allegedly committed on July 28, 2025, at Otto Wharf, Mile 2, Olodi Apapa.
Prosecuting counsel, ASP Reuben Solomon, told the court that Idris knowingly received and bought the diverted agrochemical, an offence punishable under Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Mrs Oseni granted him bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum, but ordered that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until May 5, 2026, for mention.
