Police arrest four IBEDC employees and two others over alleged electricity equipment theft in Osun

Police in Osun State say four employees of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company were among six suspects arrested while allegedly cutting a high-tension pole in Ikirun.

The arrests followed intelligence received at about 6 a.m., according to police spokesman Abiodun Ojelabi. Officers from the Ikirun Division, led by the divisional police officer, went to the scene and found the suspects using a cutting machine powered by a generating plant.

The other suspects were identified as an IBEDC security officer and two welders. Police named the suspects as Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55; Bolaji Odusanya, 51; Alimi Akeem, 36; Balogun Kehinde, 52; Oyewo Hammed, 31; and Oladosu Hammed, 22.

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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 syndicate is suspected to be the ones terrorising Ikirun and its environs.

Authorities said they recovered the cutting machine, generating plant and welding machine allegedly used in the operation. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. Police said the suspects would be charged after the investigation concludes.

The command warned people involved in the vandalism or theft of public infrastructure to stop. It also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to help prevent and combat crime in the state.

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The Command remains resolute in protecting public infrastructure and ensuring that individuals involved in acts capable of sabotaging critical government and public utilities are brought to justice.