Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , Ondo State Command have arrested three suspects for illegal possession of eight prepaid meters.
The suspects who are cooling their feet at the custody of NSCDS were also accused of conspiracy, stealing and tampering with the meters.
While parading the suspects, the state Commandant, Hammed Abodunrin reiterated in clear terms that the NSCDC is saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding all ‘Critical National Assets and Infrastructure’ across the state, hence such sharp practices will never be treated with levity.
The Hope Metro investigation revealed that owners of the stolen Prepaid meters had lodged complaints at the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau Office, in Alagbaka, Akure.
It was learnt that the agency forwarded the matter to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ondo State Command for action, that led to the arrest of the suspects.
The NSCDC boss said the arrests were made possible through sustained Intelligence of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department of the Command.
According to him, “Our men swung into action after intelligence information from the appropriate Bureau and apprehended the prime suspect:, Osuola Gospel, aged 26, who hails from Imo State and currently resides at No 4, Ogunyebi Street, Ijapo extension, Akure.
“Sequel to the mandate of the Corps, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD mni, in a conference of Management Staff Officers and respective stakeholders emphasized on the need to redouble our efforts in the protection of all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure; with this consciousness Ondo State Command is ready to arrest and prosecute all culprits”
He said,”Gospel was arrested alongside two other suspects; Oladele Ibukun,42, who bought one of the prepaid meters at the rate of ₦60,000, while the third suspect is a 40-year-old man, Dayo Akinlafe.
“From the statement volunteered by the suspects, they confessed to the crime that the eight prepaid meters were stolen on September 27 and 29, this year at Alagbaka area and Ijapo Estate respectively, an offence contrary to the Miscellaneous Offences Act 2004”.
Abodunrin pointed out that all the suspects would definitely be charged to Court for justice to take its course , while the NSCDC Ondo Command will continue to hunt those engaging in such heinous business and bring them to book.
He advised Nigerians to be wary of buying prepaid meters from touts who claim they have the authority to sell such, stressing that they should consult the Electricity Distribution Companies in charge of their locations.
Speaking with The Hope Metro, Director of Consumer Relations, Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, Engr (Mrs) Oluwakemi Ogunrinde explained that eight victims of stolen meters registered complaints in their office saying that they informed the NSCDC as usual.
She said four of the stolen prepaid meters had been identified at the Ondo State office of NSCDC assuring that the identified meters will be handed over to the owners by the Bureau and NSCDC