Chinese man caught smuggling explosives into Nigeria

Zhao Chum a Chinese national was reportedly caught smuggling explosive chemicals into Nigeria
– The matter is currently under investigation, with the materials in the custody of NAFDAC
– Chum was caught with a Nigerian accomplice, Christian Ohia
Chinese man
A Chinese man named Zhao Chum, has been arrested for allegedly smuggling into Nigeria, unregistered and controlled chemicals used for manufacturing explosives.
He was arrested along with his Nigerian accomplice, a man named Christian Ohia.
According to Daily Post, Chum who is 33 owns a furniture company in Ogun state. He was apprehended by officials of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday, July 21.
The acting Director-General, DG, NAFDAC, Yetunde Oni, confirmed the arrest in a statement and said: “NAFDAC impounded 880 bags x 25kg of Urea Formaldehyde Resin – a chemical compound for manufacturing explosives, which was imported by the Chinese man, Zhao Chum.


“The substance is now in NAFDAC’s warehouse. The director of the company, Zhao Chum, and his clearing agent, Christian Ohia, have been arrested.
The Ports Inspection Directorate of the agency got a tip-off that the substance, identified as Urea Formaldehyde Resin powder, was smuggled in through the Lagos sea port in two containers.
The containers were transported to Chum’s company in Omu Ijebu area of Ogun, from where operatives of the agency impounded and brought them to the agency’s office in Oshodi, Lagos state.
They are assisting NAFDAC to unravel the supply chain. Investigation is ongoing into the matter, ” the acting DG added.
Chum was said to have denied being a smuggler saying that the substance was glue meant for his furniture works.
He was quoted to have said in his statement to the police that: “This glue is from China. Everyone can buy it. I am not an importer. I gave this job to an agent. The agent did not tell me anything.
“NAFDAC people came to look for the agent. After arresting him, they arrested me too. You can come to my factory and see what I use the substances for. It is to hold furniture together,” Chum added.
Meanwhile on May 1 when officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) and some people believed to be smugglers had a face off at Oke odan town in Yewa south local government area of Ogun state, it led to deaths of innocent people.
The deceased were said to have been hit by stray bullets during the face off. The Customs officials were said to be after some suspected rice smugglers, who were coming in long convoy from Igolo, a border community in neighbouring Benin Republic and heading towards Sango in Ado odo/Ota local government area of Ogun state.