NSCDC arrests three suspects for cable vandalism in Kogi

The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has paraded three suspects for alleged criminal conspiracy and vandalism.

While parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Lokoja, the Kogi State NSCDC Commandant, Esther Akinlade, said the crime was committed on 7th and 20th October in Ankpa and Isanlu, both located in the Yagba East Local Government Area of the state.

According to Akinlade, the arrests were made possible through the joint efforts of security guards and officers of the Corps.

Akinlade revealed that one of the suspects, Agbo Christian, 33, from Enugu State, along with others who are currently at large, vandalised armoured cables within the premises of the Nigerian Television Authority in Ankpa.

Explaining the events that led to the suspects’ arrests, Akinlade said: “Agbo was arrested by the security guard guarding the premises during the second operation, which took place on 18th October 2024. The others, who are still at large, fled. Exhibits, including a saw, chisel, and spanners used for vandalism, were recovered from Agbo, who confessed to the crime.”

“On 20th October 2024, at around 0900hrs, two suspects, James Nifemi (29) and Ibrahim Jafaru (37), were arrested by NSCDC officers, in collaboration with the community members of OFIN in Isanlu, Yagba East LGA. They were found in possession of armoured cables stolen from a community transformer,” she added.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, and the third member of their group is still at large.

The commandant noted that the three suspects would soon be charged in court.

She called on the people of the state to continue their partnership with the command to rid the state of criminals and criminal activities.

In an interview with newsmen, the suspects, who admitted their involvement in the act, pleaded for leniency.