The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) unit in Zaria, Kaduna state, said it had arrested a 50-year old man, Mohammed Tudunwada, who allegedly specialised in retreading old tyres. Commander of the unit, Boyi Ali- Maigari, told newsmen on Saturday in Zaria that the suspect’s factory was located at Tudun Wada area of the town, where he had been perpetrating his illegal business.
He said that the suspect had not showed any sign of remorse over his nefarious activity. Ali-Maigari attributed most road crashes to tyre problems of vehicles, saying that there were recurring cases of tyre violations by motorists. “Investigation shows that most drivers patronise the retread tyres which are being used to ply our roads not minding the consequences on human lives,” he said.
He, however, lauded the efforts of the Federal Government for banning the importation and use of “tokunbo” tyres. The commander said that the measure would guarantee the safety of lives and property of Nigerians. He said the unit would organise a sensitisation workshop for stakeholders in the transport industry on the dangers of using retreaded tyres. “Let me use this medium and call on motorists and other stakeholders in the sector to stop patronising second-hand tyres to discourage those in the business.”
The suspect told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that he inherited the business from his father and that the family had depended on it for more than 40 years. “My boy, Shamsu, 25, was arrested during a raid at my workshop at Tudun Wada today and later I was arrested and detained. “I have no regret doing this business left for me; it is not a crime but a business,” he said.
NAN reports that items recovered from the suspect included one power generator, two treading machines and two transistors. Investigation revealed that a retreaded tyre is sold at between N500 and N800 in Zaria. (NAN)
