NSCDC nabs 3 suspected cable vandals in Ebonyi
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ebonyi Command, has nabbed three suspects that allegedly vandalized the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) power transmission cables.
The Commandant of the corps in the state, Lucy Samu represented by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Chief Superintendent Paul Odimba disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen on Friday in Abakaliki.
Samu said that the alleged vandalism took place at Umuoro Oriuzo in Ezza-North Local Government Area of the state.
She said that the suspects were apprehended on April 22 by the command personnel and Neighborhood Watch, a security outfit in the area, while trying to evacuate the stolen items.
Samu disclosed that 200 meter length power transmission cables and a tricycle were items found with the suspects.
She listed the suspects as Chinomso Nwite, 25, Chika Nwode 36 and David Nweke whose age was not mentioned, all from Ezza-North LGA of the state.
“We have three suspects arrested in connection to the vandalism of EEDC power transmission lines and a tricycle used in conveying it.
“They succeeded in cutting the cable and held them in a bush to bring them down to the city where they will be sold.
“But they were apprehended by our men on routine patrol and neighborhood watch at Umuoro Oriuzo in Ezza local government area and brought to the command headquarters in Abakaliki, ” Samu said.
She said that the command was currently carrying out preliminary investigations on the case.
The commandant said that they would soon be charged to court.
Samu advised the public to adhere to federal and state governments directives and measures in place to combat Covid-19 pandemic instead of getting involved in unlawful activities with increasing risk of getting infected.
Meanwhile, leader of the gang, Nwite while confessing to the crime, claimed he was trying to cut off the cable already on the ground to avoid injuring the public.
“The cable was on the street already when I cut it off to avoid injuring people and was arrested while trying to take it home,” Nwite said.
Another suspect, Nwode, claimed he was a former staff of the company in operation unit, Azuiyoku district, Abakaliki and was inspecting a cable wire project when he was intercepted by the men.
NAN