Suspect arrested in Kano over alleged fake onion seeds – NOPPMAN | The Guardian Nigeria News

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN) has intensified efforts to address the spread of counterfeit onion seeds in farming communities across the country, following the arrest of a suspect alleged to be in possession of the fake products.

Speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Saturday, NOPPMAN’s National President, Alhaji Aliyu Isa, confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Jafaru from Kano, who was found with seeds suspected to be counterfeit.

The association has since taken custody of the seeds pending laboratory analysis to verify their quality.

“Last year, the onion subsector faced major setbacks due to the introduction of fake and substandard seeds,” Alhaji Isa said.

“This led to widespread economic sabotage and disrupted the livelihoods of countless smallholder farmers.”

He noted that many farmers suffered extensive financial losses due to poor harvests resulting from the use of uncertified seeds.

According to him, ongoing assessments aim to quantify the extent of the damage, with detailed figures expected by July or August 2025.

The issue of counterfeit seeds, he explained, has become a recurring challenge, and recent intelligence reports suggest that other individuals may still be distributing substandard products to unsuspecting farmers.

In response, NOPPMAN has stepped up collaboration with law enforcement and agricultural agencies.

“We cannot take chances. Until the seeds are tested and certified by experts, they remain in our custody,” Isa said.

The association is partnering with the Sokoto Agricultural Development Project and the National Horticultural Research Institute to carry out a detailed analysis of the seized seeds. Based on the outcome of the laboratory tests, the seeds will either be returned or used as evidence in legal proceedings.

Alhaji Isa emphasised that the association remains committed to ensuring accountability in the onion value chain and preventing further losses for farmers.

“We are resolute in our mission to identify and prosecute those responsible. Government is also putting in place mechanisms to help farmers recover and return to their farms,” he added.

In his response to the allegations, the suspect, Jafaru, denied knowingly distributing fake seeds. He claimed that he was unaware of NOPPMAN’s directive requiring individuals in possession of uncertified seeds to submit them for verification.

“I didn’t know there was a directive. I only had the seeds, and I believed they were of good quality,” Jafaru said.

He stated that he is willing to face legal consequences if it is proven that he was involved in the distribution of counterfeit products.