Monday, September 14, 2026 - A farmer resident in Agbona village near Iwo in Osun State,
Taliatu Olunlade, aged 60 years, and his 25-year old son, Wasiu, were on Monday
paraded by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps 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, also said one Ganiyu Ayomide, aged 22, said to be a nephew to Olunlade
was also arrested in connection with the crime.
Enya further 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 to deepen 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.
When answering questions from journalists, Olunlade,
admitted commiting the crime 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 wont do such a thing again,” Olunlade said.
The PUNCH reports that the Osun State Police Command
announced the arrest of six suspects in connection with the alleged
vandalization and stealing of an 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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