Osun NSCDC arrests father, son, one other over alleged theft, sale of electrical cables

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command, has arrested three men over the alleged theft and sale of electrical cables removed temporarily during road construction activities in Agbona Village, Iwo.

The suspects were identified as Taliatu Olunlade, 60 years of age; Wasiu Olunlade, 25 years of age; and Ganiyu Ayomide, 22 years of age. 

They were arrested on Friday, September 4, 2026 by NSCDC personnel from the Command’s Division at Agbona Village, Iwo.

The State Commandant, Toma Mathew Enya, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday at the Osun NSCDC headquarter, Osogbo.

Enya said the arrest followed investigations into the alleged theft and illegal sale of electrical cables, which he disclosed is an offence with implications for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

According to Enya, “the cables were temporarily removed around November 2025 to facilitate road construction in Agbona. The decision was reportedly reached by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, in collaboration with community leaders.

“The removed cables were properly packaged and stored at a location close to the residence of one of the villagers, identified as Taliatu Olunlade for safekeeping.

“However, after some months, the cables reportedly began to disappear gradually. The development prompted the Command to commence an investigation which eventually led to the arrest of the three suspects.”

The Commandant said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly removed the electrical cables in stages and sold them to a metal scrap dealer and scavenger identified as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar,” who is currently at large.

According to him, “the suspects allegedly confessed to selling the stolen cables to Aminu on two separate occasions for a total of ₦100,000.

“Efforts had been intensified to apprehend Aminu. The investigation remained ongoing. The suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation, where their fate would be determined in accordance with the law.”

The Commandant said strengthening the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure would be among his priorities, alongside deeper collaboration with relevant stakeholders across the state.

Enya warned individuals involved in the vandalism, theft or illegal trading of government infrastructure to desist from such activities, saying, “NSCDC Osun State Command under my watch will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations across the State.”

He also appealed to residents to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities involving the theft, vandalism or illegal sale of electrical cables and other critical national assets and infrastructure, saying anyone found sabotaging government infrastructure would be made to face the law.