Six Arrested in Osun for Stealing Power Cables

The Osun State Police have arrested six people for allegedly vandalizing and stealing a high-tension powerline pole at Eko-Ende Junction, Ikirun, Osun State.

“Ikirun and its surroundings have faced constant vandalism and theft of cables and other electrical assets for the past few months, leaving the town in total darkness,” the police said in a press release signed by DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Police Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday.

“Based on reliable information received around 6:00 AM, Police officers from Ikirun Division, led by the DPO, acted quickly and went to the scene. They found six suspects cutting the high-tension pole using a cutting machine powered by a generator. This group is believed to be behind the recent attacks in Ikirun and nearby areas,” the statement continued.

The suspects are:

• Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55 years old (an IBEDC staff member in Ikirun)
• Bolaji Odusanya, 51 years old (an IBEDC staff member in Ikirun)
• Alimi Akeem, 36 years old (an IBEDC staff member in Ikirun)
• Balogun Kehinde, 52 years old (IBEDC security personnel)
• Oyewo Hammed, 31 years old (welder)
• Oladosu Hammed, 22 years old (welder).

“Items recovered from them include: (1) cutting machine, (2) generator, and (3) welding machine used for the crime. Investigations are still underway,” the release stated.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, has ordered that the case be moved to SCID for further investigation. The suspects will be taken to court after the investigations are complete,” DSP Ojelabi added in the statement.

“The Osun State Police Command warns anyone involved in vandalism, destruction, or theft of public infrastructure to stop these criminal activities. The Command will keep using intelligence and operational resources to catch offenders. We encourage the public to help the Police with timely and reliable information to prevent and fight crime across Osun State,” the statement said.

“The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Zungura, assures the public that the Command is committed to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring that anyone involved in acts that threaten government and public utilities faces justice,” the release concluded.