From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In order to deter others, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the 50 suspects arrested by the security agencies for alleged involvement in the removal of sewage manhole covers on Abuja highways will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, Wike further vowed that the government would make sure that anyone arrested for purchasing or using the vandalised manhole covers or other public infrastructure will be charged with sabotaging the economy and endangering the lives of Nigerians.
He emphasised that the arrest of no fewer than 50 suspects for vandalism and theft of manhole covers within the FCT and recovering of 25 vandalized manhole covers was a demonstration of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) zero tolerance for criminalities, particularly vandalisation of public amenities.
The Minister, who commended the security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions, described their collaborative efforts as “fantastic” and a further assurance to the residents of the the FCT that their lives and properties are secured.
He also commended Nigerians for showing patriotism in speaking against the vandalisation, adding that “safeguarding public amenities is first and foremost, the duty of Nigerians, who are the owners and users of the amenities.”
Wike urged Nigerians, especially residents of the FCT to continue to use the Social Media positively as was done on the removal of the manhole covers, promising that “the government will always act promptly.”
He said; “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves. They live among us and they are known. It is therefore important that patriotic Nigerians begin to expose them even before they carry out their devilish acts.”
Earlier, the FCT Police command on Monday said its operatives arrested no fewer than 50 suspects for vandalism and theft of manhole covers within the territory.
It said the suspects were arrested at various “panteka” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse areas of the territory. The command added that about 25 manhole covers, 3 vehicles, vandalised solar streetlights, galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers, other tools used in vandalising these government installations, and several other exhibits were also recovered.
The FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, states that investigations revealed that the suspects operated as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.
He said, “Our operatives conducted a targeted operation, leading to the arrest of FIFTY (50) suspects and recovery of TWENTY-FIVE (25) manhole covers, THREE (3) vehicles, vandalized solar street lights, galvanized rods used in the construction of flyovers, other tools used in vandalizing these government installations, and several other exhibits at various panteka hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse. “Investigations have revealed that these individuals operate as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers. This criminal activity endangers the lives of the general public by creating hazards on roads and walkways while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the suspects arrested and exhibits recovered: “The suspects arrested; Bashir Usman, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sani Isah, Ibrahim Hassan, Mustapha Hassan, Awal Nawan, Umar Aliyu, Auta Umar, Simon Clement, Datti Ibrahim, Mohammed Salim, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Ifeanyi-Chuckwu Emmanuel, Abba Ismail, Najib Abdul, Muhammed Lawal, Rabiu Ibrahim, Adamu Suleiman, Abdulkarim Abdullahi, Haruna Nasiru, Abdul Nai’ja, Josua Steven, Livinus Steven, Ismail Abdullahi, Munir Sada. “Others are: Ibrahim Yahaya, Yahaya Musa, Dahiru Nasiru, Abdullahi Muhammed, Monday Barnabas, Hamisu Iman, Promise Abanonum, Ehieze Emeka, Ehieze Justice, Mohammed Inusa, Tijanni Suleiman, Promise James, Haruna Auwalu, Ayuba Danjuma, Suleiman Abu, Nafiu Ahmmed, Kamalu Junaidu, Zaradeen Yakubu, Abdulhadi Adam, Mohammed Ibrahim, Chukwu Emmanuel, Douglas Yahaya, Mohammed Lawal, Auwal Musa and Abubakar Kabiru. “EXHIBITS RECOVERED: Twenty-five (25) galvanized manhole covers; Five (5) solar street lights; Several galvanized poles used in the construction of flyovers; Fifteen (15) street light poles cut into smaller pieces; Several rolls of high voltage AEDC cables; Two locally made pistols; Two live cartridges; One sharp knife; Thirty (30) tubes of triple sub glue; Several charms; Thirteen (13) large solar panels; Seven (7) barrels of diesel suspected to have been stolen from network masts; One (1) Volkswagen sporter bus with Reg. No. BJK 592 XA reconstructed into a diesel tanker. “Also one Toyota Carina II vehicle with Reg. No. RBC 312 JL Several iron rebar rods; Nine (9) car tire rims; One (1) fire extinguisher; Eleven (11) plasma TV sets; Several decoders and remotes; Thirteen (13) cement bags; Two reinforced iron doors;Three (3) pumping machines suspected to be used in extracting diesel; Two (2) car batteries; One photo frame; One (1) pack of tiles; Sixteen (16) plastic chairs; Three (3) generators; One (1) aluminum ladder; One (1) wheel barrow; One (1) roll of roofing sheets; Two (2) gas cylinders; One (1) indoor and outdoor AC Unit; sumo water pumpspump and Several iron cutting tools “The diversity and volume of recovered items highlight the extensive and organized nature of these syndicates, whose activities have caused significant harm to public infrastructure projects and services in the FCT.”
“I want to emphasise that the FCT Police Command and our sister security agencies operate a zero-tolerance policy toward acts of vandalism and theft that undermine public infrastructure and safety. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the critical infrastructure of the Federal Capital Territory. We will continue to ensure that all those responsible for these criminal acts are brought to justice. The kind of these enclaves will continue,” the CP added.