The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspects allegedly caught vandalising electricity installations in Ikirun, with four of those apprehended identified as staff members of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The suspects were reportedly arrested at the scene of the alleged crime after police operatives received intelligence about the activity and moved to the location.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday.
According to him, the suspects were found cutting a high-tension electricity pole using a cutting machine powered by a generating set.
He said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Ikirun Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, following credible information received at about 6 am.
“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,” Ojelabi said.
He described the suspects as a syndicate terrorising Ikirun and neighbouring communities.
The arrested suspects were identified as Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55, an IBEDC staff member in Ikirun; Bolaji Odusanya, 51, also an IBEDC staff member; Alimi Akeem, 36, an IBEDC staff member; Balogun Kehinde, 52, an IBEDC security personnel; Oyewo Hammed, 31, a welder; and Oladosu Hammed, 22, also a welder.
Police said a cutting machine, generating plant and welding machine allegedly used in the operation were recovered as exhibits.
The command said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, had ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The suspects, it added, would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
The police warned individuals and groups involved in the vandalism, destruction or theft of public infrastructure to stop such activities, stressing that its operatives would continue to use intelligence and other operational resources to identify and arrest suspected offenders.
The command also urged residents to provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and combating criminal activities across the state.
Zungura assured members of the public that the command remained committed to protecting critical public infrastructure and ensuring that those suspected of sabotaging government and public utilities were brought to justice.
