Police In Gombe Arrest 2 Suspects ‘Flooding Market with Rice Mixed with Chaff’
By Silas Ebeh
The Gombe State Police Command has arrested two persons allegedly selling adulterated rice to the public.
The suspects, identified as Bashir Haruna, 35, from Dubai Quarters, Gombe, and Mohammed Isah, 54, from Jibulu Quarters, Kumo, Akko LGA of Gombe State, were caught in the act of mixing chaff with rice, repackaging, and selling the mixture as pure rice at market prices.
Police report released on Thursday, February 29, 2024, intimated that the arrests were made five days earlier, following a tip-off.
The report said acting on the intelligence, officers from the Akko Division intercepted the suspects in possession of 57 bags of the adulterated rice.
It said the operation, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sherif Sa’ad, marks a significant effort by the local police to combat the rising trend of food adulteration in the region.
During interrogation, Haruna and Isah confessed to routinely engaging in the illegal practice, revealing a calculated attempt to exploit consumers amid rising food prices. Nigeria, like many West African countries, is currently grappling with high inflation rates, particularly affecting food items.
The suspects have been charged to court.
The State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Usman, has issued a public advisory, urging citizens to exercise caution and vigilance when purchasing grains in sacks.
The Gombe State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment towards safeguarding the market from criminal elements, as well as ensuring the integrity of food supplies in the state.
Rice, a staple food in Nigerian households, has become increasingly unaffordable for many due to these economic pressures.
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