Lagos Police intercepts truck-load of poisonous ponmo

The Police in Lagos have intercepted a truck-loaded of poisonous cow skin, popularly known as ponmo, in Igando area of Lagos.

Also, a warehouse where the cow skins were stored for onward transportation to different markets in the state was uncovered in the same area, with six suspects, including two women, arrested.

Recovered from them were chemicals used in preserving the poisonous ponmo.

Spokesman for Lagos State Police Command, DSP Elkana Bala, who confirmed the arrest, explained that information was received, Saturday, that a truck with the poisonous cow skins was sighted at 9, College Road, Igando.

Consequently, policemen from Igando Division stormed the place, which turned out to be a warehouse. A truck with number plates AKD-375-XB, which was leaving the place to distribute the ponmo, was intercepted.

He said: “The huge pillage and pyramid of poisonous ponmo and the chemicals used in the preservation of the cow skins were recovered. One truck, which was 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.

“Six suspects, Adelowo Yinka, a 50-year-old man of Ifelodun Street, Agric Road, Egan, who drove the truck; Olawumi Onabanjo, 40, of 3, Olunshabiko Street, Itere, Ogun State; Omowumi Wasiu, 43-year-old woman of New Site, Muwo, Badagry; Adeshokan Taiwo, 43, of no fixed address; Iyabo Oluwa, a 38-year-old woman of Ifelodun Street Ijegun, Ikotun; and 40-year-old Taye Kazeem of 11, Disu Street off Ijagemon Road, Ijegun, were arrested in connection with the case.

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