Six People Arrested for Vandalism of Electricity Installations in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has arrested six people. This includes four workers from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. They were caught for allegedly vandalising electricity installations in Ikirun, Osun State.

The other two arrested were an IBEDC security officer and a welder.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, shared this news in a statement on Tuesday.

According to Ojelabi, the suspects were caught red-handed. They were cutting a high-tension electricity pole with a cutting machine powered by a generator.

Ojelabi said, “Acting on credible intelligence received at about 0600 hours, police operatives attached to Ikirun Division, led by the DPO, acted swiftly and visited the scene.

“Six suspects found cutting the high-tension pole with a cutting machine powered by a generating plant were subsequently arrested. This gang is suspected to be the ones terrorising Ikirun and its surroundings.”

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

The police identified Emmanuel, Odusanya, and Akeem as IBEDC staff in Ikirun. Balogun works as an IBEDC security officer. Oyewo and Oladosu are welders.

The police recovered a cutting machine, a generator, and a welding machine from the suspects.

Ojelabi stated that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, has ordered that the case be sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

He added that the suspects would face charges in court once the investigation is over.

The police warned anyone involved in vandalism, destruction, or theft of public infrastructure to stop. They assured that they would keep using intelligence and resources to catch offenders.

The police also asked the public to share any information that could help prevent and tackle crime in the state.

Zungura assured residents that the police are dedicated to protecting public infrastructure. He promised that those who sabotage essential public utilities would face justice.