The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) paraded a 30-year-old individual named Yomi Sunday, who is alleged to specialise in vandalising armoured cables in the Mopa Muro Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was presented at the command headquarters in Lokoja on Wednesday. Commandant Ahmad Ahmad Gandi revealed that a local vigilante group had apprehended the culprit and subsequently handed it over to the NSCDC in Mopa Muro Local Government Area.
Gandi expressed regret over the vandalism, as it has adversely affected seven communities in Kogi West, including Aiyeteju-Mopa, Amuro, Agbajogun-Lodo, and others that rely on the national power grid.
The suspect, who was paraded with eight bundled cables for ease of transportation, admitted to using a cutter to sever and strip the electric cables. He confessed to using petroleum products (PMs) to clean his hands after the operation.
According to Yomi Sunday, he was lured into this illegal activity by an unnamed businessman who visited his community every Sunday. The businessman promised him generous compensation for the stolen products, claiming to use the cables for producing earrings, bangles, and other ornaments. Yomi lamented that he was caught during his very first attempt at such theft.
Yomi Sunday, a father of five children and a motorcycle mechanic from the small town of Itakete-ide in Mopa Amuro LGA, expressed deep regret for his actions. He called for clemency and pledged not to engage in such criminal activities in the future.
Commandant Gandi issued a stern warning to criminals, urging them to desist from their unlawful activities. He assured the public that the NSCDC is fully prepared to combat crimes and criminality throughout the state. Within the period since his appointment in the state, he disclosed that he had prosecuted 24 cases, resulting in over 90% convictions.
Gandi encouraged citizens to provide the command with timely and reliable information to aid in their fight against crime and criminality. He emphasised that the battle against predatory elements requires a collective effort, and the command would treat all information with the utmost confidentiality.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
