The Nigeria Police Force detained five people in connection with the diversion of bags of wheat belonging to the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) and recovered approximately 1,238 bags of wheat in Port Harcourt.
According to Force PRO ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, approximately 1,840 bags of wheat were to be transported from Ibeto Port Terminal in Port Harcourt to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Kano State, but were fraudulently diverted by the drivers tasked with this assignment, as well as their accomplices.
He stated that the suspects were detected and captured by Nigeria Police operatives stationed at the Eastern Port on February 6.
The suspects included Umar Hashim, Edidiong Umoh, Udah Stanley, Abubakar Jariri, and Yunusa Babangida.
In addition to the 1,238 stolen wheat sacks, the vehicle and bus used in the crime were found.
According to the Force PRO, the recovered wheat bags have been returned to the World Food Programme, and attempts are underway to recover the missing 602 wheat bags and apprehend the other suspects involved in the crime.
Meanwhile, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, has re-emphasized the Nigeria Police’s goal of ensuring that individuals engaged in activities aimed at sabotaging the country’s economy and instilling hardship among vulnerable members of the public are vigorously dealt with in accordance with existing laws.
He has consequently ordered that the suspects be charged in court after the investigations are completed and all loose ends are tied.