The patrol team of Dangote Group says it has arrested its defaulting drivers who engage in illegal haulage and causing mayhem to road users across the country.
The team added that the arrested drivers have been handed over to relevant authorities.
Recently, the company while earmarking a monetary reward, urged members of the public to help nab its drivers indulging in the illegal activities.
Afterwards, the patrol team in North Central zone, intercepted a driver carrying a fully loaded truck containing timber and handed them over to the police.
The driver was subsequently charged to a magistrate court in Akwanga, Nasarawa State for criminal breach of trust where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four months imprisonment.
The magistrate presiding over the case, however, ordered that the truck and load be released to the company and owner respectively. The magistrate also advised Dangote Group to file a civil case against the owner of the goods.
Similarly, the patrol team spotted a “third party” truck with Dangote logo, parked in a company’s in Ode Remo, southwestern Nigeria, as it offloads granite stone.
Following this, the team reported the case at Ode Remo police station and got both the driver and the truck arrested. The driver would later be charged to court.
Anthony Chiejina, the company’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, in a statement said: “The Management of Dangote Industries Limited wishes to solicit the assistance of the general public in the fight to rid the organisation of illegal haulage activities being perpetrated by some unscrupulous persons.”
To clarify its position, the management went on to list its products and goods which its over 10,000 trucks operating across the country and the neighbouring West African countries could convey.
“Dangote Trucks are permitted to transport only the following materials: Dangote Cement Plc – Dangote Cement, Limestone, High Grade Gypsum and Coal; Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc- Dangote Sugar; NASCON Allied Industries Plc – Dangote Salt & DanQ Seasoning; and Dangote Packaging Limited – Bags,” the statement read further.
It added: “We hereby alert the public to report any suspected Dangote Truck driver involved in illegal haulage supported with credible evidence of such act.”
While the police and other law enforcement agents have been authorised to arrest any Dangote’s truck driver and vehicle involved in any such illegal act, the company’s management also urged members of the public to also assist in this drive for the common good.