The Nigerian Police Force, Zone 16 headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, says it has arrested 14 suspects who were allegedly involved in the vandalisation of the 132 KV Transmission Tower Line along the Ahoada-Mbiama axis of the East-West road and the Igbogene axis in Rivers State and Bayelsa State, respectively.
Sequel to a petition by the Honourable Commissioner of Power, Hon. (Engr) Kharin Akari Komuko, to the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 16 headquarters in Yenagoa, the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department recovered items stolen during the process of vandalisation that has put Bayelsa in total blackout for months.
In a statement, SP. Gunn Ewhoborwo Emonena, the Zonal police public Relations Officer, listed the names of the suspects as Christopher Chimelam Onyeno ‘m’ 22 years old (an indigene of Imo state), Chinyereugo Ukommaduakolam ‘m’ 29 years old (an indigene of Imo state), Believe Ajudu ‘m’ 37 years old (an indigene of Rivers State), and Believe Chimela ‘m’ 30 years old.
Others are Usman Albert Odumanyuyah ‘m’ 50yrs (an indigene of Rivers State), Newman Ejimadu ‘m’ 32yrs (an indigene of Rivers State), Pentecost Godwin ‘m’ 36yrs (an indigene of Rivers State), Ogbunike Morgan ‘m’ 20yrs (an indigene of Rivers State), and Julius Okpuhigwe ‘m’ 54yrs (an indigene of Rivers State).
Also arrested are Mr Abubakar Umaru ‘m’ 26 years old (an indigene of Sokoto state), Moses Stephen ‘m’ 26 years old (an indigene of Rivers State), Emmanuel John ‘m’ 35 years old (an indigene of Kano State), Kabiru Usman ‘m’ 30 years old (an indigene of Kano State), and Aminu Sanusi ‘m’ 20 years old (an indigene of Kano State)
The statement further explained that “the suspects are all involved in the vandalization of 132 KV Transmission Tower Line along the Ahoada-Mbiama axis of the east-west road and igbogene axis in Rivers State and Bayelsa State, respectively.
“The suspects who have been on the wanted list of the zone for the past few months were arrested based on credible intelligence in Rivers State.
“In the course of diligent and painstaking investigation, 35mm floor core armoured cables, 70mm floor core armoured cables, 50mm SLPE cables, an electrical pot installator, wheel spanners, cutting blades, long bolts, eleven KV poles, recline cables, earth cables, bee copper, and other items were recovered from the suspects as exhibits.
“While urging residents to take all necessary steps in protecting the properties within our vicinity, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, zone 16 headquarters, AIG Paul Alifa Omata, reaffirms his unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties within the zone.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetukon, PhD, NPM, has reasserted his dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. He further urged residents to offer their maximum cooperation and support in order to have a crime-free society.”
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