Police Nab Four IBEDC Staff, Two Welders Over Electricity Infrastructure Theft In Osun

The Osun State Police Command has arrested four personnel of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and two welders over alleged vandalism and attempted theft of electricity infrastructure in Ikirun.

The suspects were reportedly caught early Tuesday while cutting a high-tension electricity pole at Eko-Ende Junction, Ikirun, using a cutting machine powered by a generating plant.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the arrests followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the Ikirun Divisional Police Headquarters. Acting on the information, police officers led by the Divisional Police Officer moved to the location at about 6:00 a.m., where they allegedly found the suspects cutting the pole.

Those arrested were identified as Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55; Bolaji Odusanya, 51; Alimi Akeem, 36; Balogun Kehinde, 52; Oyewo Hammed, 31; and Oladosu Hammed, 22.

According to the police, the first four suspects were identified as IBEDC personnel, with Balogun described as an IBEDC security staff member. Oyewo and Oladosu were identified as welders.

The command alleged that the suspects were part of a syndicate responsible for the persistent vandalisation and theft of electricity cables and other power installations in Ikirun and neighbouring communities.

Police said the activities of electricity infrastructure vandals had contributed to prolonged power outages and darkness in the affected areas in recent months.

Items recovered from the scene included a cutting machine, a generating plant and a welding machine, which the police said were allegedly being used to dismantle the high-tension pole.

The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Zungura, ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

The police said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The command warned individuals and groups involved in vandalising, stealing or destroying public infrastructure to stop, stressing that such activities undermine essential services and pose risks to communities.

The police also urged residents to provide credible and timely information about suspicious activities involving electricity installations and other critical infrastructure.

The arrests come amid continuing concerns over electricity theft, vandalism and damage to power facilities, which affect electricity supply and the reliability of distribution networks across communities served by IBEDC.

The police said it remained committed to protecting critical public infrastructure and bringing those found responsible for criminal activities to justice.