The Katsina State Police Command has arrested two more suspects over the alleged diversion of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), known locally as “Yar Kwamaso”, meant for severely malnourished children. The arrests followed an ongoing investigation into the alleged criminal conspiracy and unlawful diversion of the medical nutrition product.
Police spokesman, DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, on Wednesday September 2, said surveillance officers had earlier arrested Mahmud Aliyu on Aug. 26 with three sacks containing 1,500 sachets of RUTF. The suspect allegedly mentioned Zaharaddini Musa, a clinic staff member who is currently at large, during interrogation.
Sadiq-Aliyu said further investigation led to the arrest of Buhari Idris, 40, and Idris Abdullahi Halliru, 51. He explained that the RUTF is supplied by the Federal Government in partnership with UNICEF and other donor agencies and is distributed free of charge under clinical supervision for the treatment of severely malnourished children under five.
The police warned individuals and groups against the unauthorised possession, sale, purchase or diversion of RUTF and other public health commodities. The three suspects in custody are expected to be charged after investigation, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Umar Fage, urged the public to report suspected diversion of government palliatives and medical supplies.
Leave a comment