Police detain four in Calabar over alleged electricity infrastructure theft

Arrests in Calabar Police in Cross River State have taken into custody four individuals linked to the alleged vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure in Calabar. The prime suspect, Peter Adie, 36, was apprehended first, followed by three others: Tochukwu Nwogwu, Boniface Egede and Mustapha Isa Aliyu.

Initially, five people were detained for questioning. Two of them, Yakubu Musa and Emmanuel Hope, were released after preliminary checks found no evidence of involvement.

Scope of the Operation The arrests came after an interrogation of Adie, which supplied police with information that led them to investigate further sites. Operatives expanded their search to Murtala Mohammed Highway, the area around Pepsi, and a dumpsite in the Harbour district of Calabar.

The alleged damage occurred at Agbo Ntoe Layout on Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension, where power infrastructure was reported to have been vandalised.

Police Statements ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the command was following up on leads to determine the circumstances of the offence and the individual responsibilities of the suspects.

Commissioner of Police Ajo Geoffrey Ordue reiterated the police force’s commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure. He warned that anyone found guilty of vandalising or unlawfully possessing stolen electricity materials would face legal action.

The police command urged residents to supply credible information that could assist the investigation and to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

Ongoing Investigation Investigators are still working to establish the full extent of the alleged theft and to identify any remaining suspects. The four individuals remain in custody as the inquiry continues.

The case highlights the growing concern over attacks on critical infrastructure in the region and the authorities’ resolve to address such incidents swiftly.