CP Ebuka
A five-man syndicate that specialises in selling decomposing animal skin, aka ponmo, to members of the public, has been smashed in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The suspects were arrested by a surveillance team of the local government and health workers before they were handed over to the police.
NigerDelta Herald Metro learnt that their arrest followed a tip-off by some community members who saw them preparing the ‘maggot-infested’ ponmo to be sold off within Bonny Island.
The Deputy Press Secretary of Bonny LGA, Boma Waribor, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the telephone, said the suspects were being interrogated by the police.
He said, “Yes, I can confirm it. About five of them were arrested by a surveillance team of the local government and health officials.
“We realised that they are a network of traders and they bring the animal parts from different parts of the country.
“Our worry is that it is not being slaughtered here or inspected and you know the implication of bringing in already slaughtered meat.
“The trade, which was found to be a practice of a ring gang that transports animal parts from afar off to Bonny, is currently being investigated.â€
He noted that the council chairman commended the team for their vigilance which led to the arrest, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted.
The acting spokesperson for the police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.
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