A Chinese national, Zhao Chum, and his Nigerian accomplice, Christian Ohia, have been arrested for allegedly smuggling into Nigeria, unregistered and controlled chemicals used for manufacturing explosives.
Chum, 33, who owns a furniture company in Ogun State, was apprehended by officials of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC on Thursday.
The acting Director-General, DG, NAFDAC, Yetunde Oni, who confirmed this in a statement said, “NAFDAC impounded 880 bags x 25kg of Urea Formaldehyde Resin – a chemical compound for manufacturing explosives, which was imported by the Chinese man, Zhao Chum.
“The substance is now in NAFDAC’s warehouse.
“The director of the company, Zhao Chum, and his clearing agent, Christian Ohia, have been arrested.
“The Ports Inspection Directorate of the agency got a tip-off that the substance, identified as Urea Formaldehyde Resin powder, was smuggled in through the Lagos sea port in two containers.
“The containers were transported to Chum’s company in Omu Ijebu area of Ogun, from where operatives of the agency impounded and brought them to the agency’s office in Oshodi, Lagos State.
“They are assisting NAFDAC to unravel the supply chain. Investigation is ongoing into the matter,” the acting DG added.
On his part, Chum was said to have denied being a smuggler.
He said the substance was glue meant for his furniture works.
He was quoted to have said in his statement to the police that: “This glue is from China. Everyone can buy it. I am not an importer. I gave this job to an agent. The agent did not tell me anything.
“NAFDAC people came to look for the agent. After arresting him, they arrested me too. You can come to my factory and see what I use the substances for. It is to hold furniture together,” Chum added.
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