Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, zone six command, Calabar, acting on the petition written by TSL company, have arrested a 41-year-old man, Achugo Kenneth Onyebuchi from Ogoda community, in Ahoada LGA, Rivers State.

It was alleged that the suspect tampered with the on-board tracking device (OBC) making it impossible for the company to track the real time location and visibility of the truck.

According to a police report released by the zone six PPRO, Nelson Okpabi, Onyebuchi reportedly absconded with an Articulated Truck, Registration No. APP 840 XW, loaded with 800 bags of cement valued at ₦33,469,930.00 on 6th January, 2022 from Calabar.

It was learnt that he was to deliver the goods to a customer in Owerri, Imo State.

Acting on credible intelligence, detectives arrested the suspect who was residing at Flat B’, Ikot Nkebre Layout, 8′ Miles, Calabar on 1st December 2023.

Onyebuchi, on interrogation, admitted to have diverted the truck but that he gave it to his friend, one Mr Hamilton at Akwa Ibom to complete the task without informing or seeking the company’s approval as required.

Onyebuchi further revealed that he got a call from an unknown person days later informing him that the truck was intercepted by men of the Nigerian Customs in Edo State with contraband rice.

He added that he left for Port Harcourt and got two other jobs in Port Harcourt and Enugu where he was arrested.

He regretted not reporting or informing the company of the whereabouts of the truck since 6th January, 2022, and attributed the altering of the company’s tracking device to Hamilton.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police zone six, Jonathan Towuru commended the detectives, and warned that no matter how long, criminals would have no hiding place.