The Police Command in Cross River State has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure in Calabar.
This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, on Friday.
Eitokpah said the suspects comprise the principal suspect, aged 36, and three additional suspects arrested during a follow-up operation.
He said their arrest followed the interrogation of one of the suspects, which prompted police operatives to extend their operations to Murtala Mohammed Highway, around Pepsi, and a dumpsite in the Harbour area of Calabar.
The police had earlier reported the alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension, Calabar.
According to Eitokpah, five additional persons were initially arrested for questioning.
“However, two of them were released after preliminary investigations found them not culpable, leaving three additional suspects in custody alongside the other suspect.”
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The PRO said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine the individual roles, if any, of the remaining suspects.
He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, as reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure.
Ordue also vowed to ensure that anyone found culpable of vandalism or the unlawful possession or receipt of stolen electricity materials was dealt with in accordance with the law.
He urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the investigation and cautioned against purchasing or receiving materials suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from electricity installations.
He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.