“Arrest of 14 Suspects Linked to Vandalism of High-Voltage Transmission Towers in Rivers and Bayelsa”

Fourteen Arrested for Vandalizing Power Transmission Lines

Police have detained 14 individuals linked to the damage done to the 132KV transmission towers along the Ahoada/Mbiama route in Rivers State and the Igbogene area in Bayelsa State.

This act of vandalism has plunged Bayelsa State into darkness for over two months, resulting in significant hardships for its residents and businesses.

SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emomena, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, announced the arrests during a press briefing at the Zone 16 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Yenagoa on October 7, 2024.

He disclosed that the suspects had been sought after for months and were apprehended based on reliable intelligence in Rivers State.

The police recovered various items from the suspects which included armored cables of different sizes, electrical components, and tools used in the vandalism. Significant items recovered include:
– 35 mm armored cables
– 70 mm armored cables
– 50 mm SLPE cables
– Electrical pot insulators
– Wheel spanners
– Cutting blades
– 11 KV poles
– Recline cables
– Bee copper

“The arrests stemmed from a petition by Hon. Engr. Kharin Akari Komuko, the Honorable Commissioner of Power, to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) at Zone 16 Headquarter, Yenagoa. Our Surveillance and Intelligence operatives acted on this information to successfully apprehend these suspects,” stated SP Emomena.

“We captured these individuals on September 11, 2024, in Rivers State.”

The identities of the arrested individuals are as follows:

1. Christopher Chinmelam Onyeno (m), 22 years, Imo State
2. Chinyereugo Ukommaduakolam (m), 20 years, Imo State
3. Believe Ajudu (m), 31 years, Rivers State
4. Believe Chimela (m), 30 years
5. Usuman Albert Odumanyuyah (m), 50 years, Rivers State
6. Newman Ejimadu (m), 32 years, Rivers State
7. Pentecost Godwin (m), 36 years, Rivers State
8. Ogbunike Morgan (m), 20 years, Rivers State
9. Juluis Okpuhigwe (m), 54 years, Rivers State
10. Abubakar Umaru (m), 22 years, Sokoto State
11. Moses Stephen (m), 26 years, Rivers State
12. Emmanuel John (m), 35 years, Kano State
13. Kabiru Usman (m), 30 years, Kano State
14. Aminu Sanusi (m), 20 years, Kano State

“The suspects have caused significant disruptions to critical power supplies in the region, contributing to ongoing power outages. The AIG of Zone 16, AIG Paul Alifa Omata, emphasized the importance of community vigilance and support for law enforcement to promote safety.”

“The Nigeria Police Force, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, remains focused on protecting citizens and encourages public cooperation for a crime-free environment.”