Six arrested over truckload of ‘poisonous ponmo’ in Lagos

Police in Lagos have arrested six persons over a truckload of ‘poisonous’ cow skins known locally as ‘ponmo’.

Lagos police spokesman, Bala Elkana, in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects were arrested on Saturday following a tip-off.

The suspects are Adelowo Yinka, Olawumi Onabanjo, Omowumi Wasiu, Adeshokan Taiwo, Iyabo Oluwa, and Taye Kazeem.

Mr Elkana said the suspects were arrested at No 9 College road, Igando area of the state where the group allegedly operated a warehouse filled with the items.

He added that a truck with registration number AKD-375-XB suspected to be used in conveying the goods was impounded.

“Officials of Lagos State Ministry of Health were contacted and after due examination, the cow skins were confirmed to be poisonous and not fit for human consumption,” Elkana said.

The spokesman also said the police commissioner, Zubairu Muazu, assured Lagosians that the Command was committed to preserving public health and safety.

“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the source and destinations of those poisonous food items. Suspects will be charged to Court,” he said.