The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has arrested a 60-year-old farmer, Taliatu Olunlade, his 25-year-old son, Wasiu, and his 22-year-old nephew, Ganiyu Ayomide, over the alleged theft of electricity cables in Agbona village near Iwo.
The suspects were paraded on Monday at the command’s headquarters, where Osun NSCDC Commandant Toma Enya said preliminary investigations linked them to the gradual disappearance of cables temporarily removed from the community.
According to Enya, the cables were removed in November 2025 to facilitate road construction activities in the area.
He explained that the decision was reportedly reached by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in collaboration with community leaders, after which the electrical cables were properly packaged and kept near Olunlade’s residence for safekeeping..
However, several months later, the cables reportedly began disappearing in batches.
Enya said the development prompted an investigation by the NSCDC, which eventually led to the arrest of the three suspects.
“A discreet investigation further revealed that the suspects allegedly removed the cables bit by bit and sold them to one Aminu, a metal scrap dealer/scavenger popularly known as ‘Bollar,’ who is currently at large,” the commandant said.
He added that the suspects allegedly confessed to selling the stolen cables to Aminu on two occasions for a combined sum of ₦150,000.
Enya said the command would intensify efforts to apprehend the suspected scrap dealer and ensure that he is brought to justice.
According to him, the three arrested suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Speaking further, Enya said the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure had remained one of his priorities since assuming office as the newly deployed Osun NSCDC commandant.
He said the command would strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to prevent vandalism, theft and other forms of sabotage targeting public infrastructure across the state.
Enya also warned individuals involved in the vandalism, theft or illegal trading of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure to desist from such activities.
He stressed that anyone found sabotaging government infrastructure would be made to face the law.
While responding to questions from journalists, Olunlade admitted involvement in the alleged theft and appealed for leniency.
He said he was a farmer, while his son, Wasiu, also worked as a farmer.
According to him, Ayomide, his elder brother’s son, also lived with them in the village.
Olunlade said he introduced the idea of stealing the cables to the two younger men and they agreed to participate.
“We have stolen the cables about three times. On each occasion, we were paid N50,000 and we shared the proceeds equally. I plead for leniency. I won’t do such a thing again,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of six suspects in connection with the alleged vandalism and theft of a high-tension powerline pole in Ikirun, Osun State.
The police said the suspects were apprehended at the scene of the alleged crime after its operatives acted on credible intelligence.
