The Ogun State Police Command has successfully apprehended two individuals, Tobi Shonibare and Odusanya Oni, on charges of stealing electric cables worth approximately N650,000. The incident took place in the Isonyin community, located in the Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state.
According to reliable sources, the suspects were caught red-handed on June 11 2024, while attempting to sell the stolen items. The arrest was initially made by Adeyemi Adeshina, a commander of the Social Orientation and Safety Corps in the community, and later handed over to the Atan-Ijebu Division of the police.
A resident of the community, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter, revealed that the suspects were spotted by the SAFE corps during their routine evening patrol. The corps became suspicious of Shonibare and Oni when they noticed the duo carrying two sacks. Upon interrogation, the corps members discovered that the bags contained electric cables. The suspects were unable to provide satisfactory explanations for their possession of the stolen cables.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest and stated that both suspects have confessed to the crime. They will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
Cable theft has been on the rise in Lagos and Ogun states in recent times. In a similar incident reported by Metro on May 30, four suspected vandals targeted a transformer serving Baale Street in the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area. The suspects arrived in the community during the early hours of the day, stole components of the transformer, damaged some parts, and fled the are
named Abu Ali was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command. The suspect was apprehended by the Pen Cinema Division after motorists alerted the police to his activities.
Cable theft not only causes financial losses but also disrupts the supply of electricity to communities. The police and relevant authorities are working diligently to curb this criminal activity and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.