Police arrest six in Osun over alleged power cable vandalism

Six people, including employees of the local electricity distributor, were arrested while allegedly cutting a high-tension power pole at Eko-Ende Junction in Ikirun, Osun State, police said.

The arrests followed intelligence received at about 6 a.m., according to a statement issued by the Osun State Police Command. Officers from the Ikirun Division, led by the divisional police officer, found the suspects using a cutting machine powered by a generating plant.

Police identified the suspects as Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55, Bolaji Odusanya, 51, Alimi Akeem, 36, Balogun Kehinde, 52, Oyewo Hammed, 31, and Oladosu Hammed, 22. The first three are staff members of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, while Balogun works as IBEDC security personnel. The two younger suspects are welders.

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Ikirun and its environs for the past few months have been experiencing incessant vandalisation and stealing of cables and other electrical assets which have left the town in total darkness.

The command said Ikirun and surrounding areas had experienced repeated vandalism and theft of cables and other electrical equipment in recent months, leaving the town without electricity. It suspected the arrested group of being responsible for the incidents.

Police recovered a cutting machine, a generating plant and a welding machine. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a discreet investigation. The suspects are expected to be charged after the inquiry concludes. Police also urged residents to provide timely information about attacks on public infrastructure.

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The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Zungura, has assured members of the public that 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.