Police arrest six over alleged vandalism, theft of electricity pole in Osun
Six Arrested in Ikirun for Vandalism of High-Tension Power Line
The Osun State Police Command has arrested six individuals in connection with the alleged vandalism and theft of a high-tension power line pole in Ikirun, Osun State.
The arrests occurred around 6 a.m. at Eko-Ende Junction, where the suspects were reportedly using a cutting machine powered by a generator to dismantle the pole.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, acting on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura, stated that the arrests followed credible intelligence received by officers from the Ikirun Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to the statement, police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded quickly and arrived at the scene to apprehend the suspects.
The police noted that these arrests come amid growing concerns about ongoing vandalism and theft of electrical infrastructure in Ikirun and surrounding areas, which has contributed to extended power outages in the community.
The suspects have been identified as Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55; Bolaji Odusanya, 51; Alimi Akeem, 36; Balogun Kehinde, 52; Oyewo Hammed, 31; and Oladosu Hammed, 22. Emmanuel, Odusanya, and Akeem are employees of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in Ikirun, while Balogun is a security guard at the company. Oyewo and Oladosu have been identified as welders.
Police recovered a cutting machine, a generator, and a welding machine from the suspects during the operation.
The police stated that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation, after which the suspects will be charged in court.
Authorities have warned against vandalism, destruction, and theft of public infrastructure, urging residents to report any suspicious activities to assist law enforcement in combating such crimes throughout Osun State.
