Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested two male suspects for the alleged vandalization of a power transformer and solar-powered streetlights. These arrests were made in separate operations by officers of the New Haven Division.
According to a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspects were apprehended in the act and the vandalized components were recovered. Ndukwe revealed that both individuals have been arraigned in court, with one already convicted and the other remanded.
Providing a detailed account of the arrests, DSP Ndukwe stated, “On July 16, 2024, around 8:50 p.m., while on routine patrol along the Powerline area of New Haven, our operatives spotted Augustine Bajo James, 34, from New Artisan, Enugu, dismantling a power transformer inside the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TNC) substation office.”
James, upon noticing the police presence, attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended. The officers recovered the dismantled transformer parts from him. During interrogation, James confessed to the crime and admitted to previous similar acts of vandalism. He was arraigned in the Enugu North Magistrate Court for theft on July 18, 2024, and subsequently remanded in the Correctional Custodial Centre.
In another operation, on July 15, 2024, around 6 a.m., the same division acted on credible intelligence and arrested Addau Alihu, 28, of New Artisan. Alihu was caught vandalizing solar-powered streetlights along Nza Street, Independence Layout, Enugu. Two dismantled streetlight pieces were recovered from him. He was arraigned in the Enugu Magistrate Court for theft on July 17, 2024, convicted, and sentenced to one month of community service.
Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has reiterated the Command's determination to continue its aggressive campaign against vandals and other criminal elements in Enugu State. CP Uzuegbu urged residents to support the police with credible and actionable information to facilitate effective and efficient operations.
“Citizens' cooperation is crucial in our fight against crime. We need timely and accurate information to make our operations more seamless and less cumbersome,” CP Uzuegbu emphasized.
The arrests mark a significant step in curbing infrastructure vandalism in Enugu, sending a clear message to potential offenders about the state's zero-tolerance policy towards such crimes.
