A farmer resident in Agbona village near Iwo in Osun State, Taliatu Olunlade, aged 60, admitted committing the crime when he was paraded alongside his 25-year-old son, Wasiu, and begged for leniency.
“I am a farmer. My son, Wasiu, is also a farmer, and the third person, Ayomide, is a son to my elder brother. The two of them are living with me in the village. I suggested the idea to them, and they bought into it.
“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,” Olunlade said.
The trio were paraded on Monday by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)Osun State Command for theft of electricity cables.
Stating the facts of the matter while speaking with journalists at the Command's headquarters, the Osun NSCDC Commandant, Toma Enya, said one Ganiyu Ayomide, aged 22, said to be a nephew to Olunlade, was also arrested in connection with the crime.
Enya said preliminary investigations revealed that, sometime in November 2025, road construction activities in the village where the suspects lived necessitated the temporary removal of electrical cables in the area.
“This was reportedly a decision reached by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company in collaboration with the community leaders of Agbona Village. Following the removal, the electrical cables were properly packaged and kept at a location close to the residence of one of the villagers, identified as Mr. Taliatu Olunlade, for safekeeping.
“However, after some months, the cables reportedly began to disappear gradually; the Command commenced an investigation, which 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 suspects confessed to having sold the stolen electrical cables to Aminu, a bollar on two separate occasions for a total sum of ₦150,000,” Enya added.
He declared that efforts will be intensified to apprehend the said Aminu and bring him to justice, noting that after investigation had been concluded, the suspects will be charged to court.
The newly deployed Osun NSCDC Commandant also stated that since he assumed office, he has prioritised the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the State and deepened collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He warned individuals and criminal elements involved in the vandalism, theft or illegal trading of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure to desist from such acts, stressing that anyone found sabotaging government infrastructure will be made to face the law.
The PUNCH reports that the Osun State Police Command announced the arrest of six suspects in connection with the alleged vandalization and stealing of a high-tension powerline pole in Ikirun, Osun State.
The command said its operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the suspects at the scene of the crime.
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