13 arrested for stealing transformers

Transformer thieves

The paraded suspects

The paraded suspects

By Okafor Ofiebor

Thirteen suspects have been paraded by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State for alleged involvement in the stealing of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) transformers and cables.

Speaking to journalists while parading the suspects, the Rivers State Commandant of NSCDC, Muktar Lawal, narrated that: ”On 30th January 2020, an open-body pick-up van with registration number BAYELSA XB 325 KMR conveying suspected illegally refined AGO stacked in about 110 cellophane bags was apprehended with 3 suspects at Elele in Ikwere LGA of River state.

“On 5th February 2020 at about 0245hrs, an open body long truck conveying unquantifiable amount of suspected petroleum product with registration number YOBE TO 234 YB and 3 suspects were arrested at Igbo-Etche, Etche LGA of Rivers State.

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”On 7th February, at about 0024hrs an enclosed long truck with Registration Number LAGOS APP 06 XF loaded with suspected vandalized Power Holding facilities was intercepted along D-Line GRA, Port Harcourt and 7 Suspects were arrested with the following: 13 drums of suspected Transformer Oil, 5 suspected Step down Transformers, one 200KVA transformer, 2 rolls of suspected transformer cables, 2 bags containing suspected bolts and 48 suspected Fiber Larders used for vandalism.”

He said investigation was ongoing and warned that those involved in such act should desist or face the law, adding that the NSCDC is empowered by law to arrest and prosecute according to the enabling Law that established it.

The suspects, he assured, would soon be charged to Court.

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