POLICE ARREST SIX SUSPECTS OVER ELECTRICITY POLE VANDALISM IN IKIRUN

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of a high-tension electricity pole in Ikirun, Osun State.

The suspects were reportedly arrested around 6am at Eko-Ende Junction, Ikirun, while allegedly cutting the high-tension pole with a cutting machine powered by a generating set.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura.

According to the statement, the arrests followed credible intelligence received by operatives attached to the Ikirun Divisional Police Headquarters.

The police said the Divisional Police Officer led the operatives to the location, where the six suspects were allegedly found cutting the electrical infrastructure.

The command said the arrests came amid concerns over the repeated vandalism and theft of electricity cables and other electrical equipment in Ikirun and neighbouring communities.

It noted that the activities had contributed to prolonged power outages in the town and surrounding areas.

The suspects were identified as Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55; Bolaji Odusanya, 51; Alimi Akeem, 36; Balogun Kehinde, 52; Oyewo Hammed, 31; and Oladosu Hammed, 22.

According to the police, Emmanuel, Odusanya and Akeem are staff members of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company in Ikirun, while Balogun is a security officer attached to the company. Oyewo and Oladosu were identified as welders.

The command said a cutting machine, generating set and welding machine allegedly used in the operation were recovered from the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation, after which the suspects would be charged to court.

The police warned individuals and groups involved in the vandalism, destruction or theft of public infrastructure to desist from such acts.

The command also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat crime across the state.