Enugu Police Arrest Five Over Alleged Vandalism of Public Infrastructure

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested five suspects in separate operations over the alleged vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, including solar street lights, road traffic signs and materials belonging to the state Water Corporation.

Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Monday, saying the suspects were apprehended in three separate operations across Enugu.

Two of the suspects, Wisdom Nuhu and Moses Jonathan, were arrested on September 27 after police received information about the alleged sale of a stolen solar street light at a scrap dump in New Artisan Market, Enugu. Police said the item was recovered from the pair, who allegedly admitted vandalising and stealing it earlier that day at Graceland Estate, Independence Layout.

In another operation, 35-year-old Chukwudi Nwigbo was arrested along Abakaliki Road, GRA, Enugu, at about 3:34am on September 24. Ndukwe said Nwigbo and another man, who escaped, were detected through the state’s security surveillance system while allegedly removing road traffic signs. Several vandalised signs bearing different inscriptions were reportedly recovered from the suspect.

The third operation was carried out on September 15 by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group. Police arrested Zubairu Hamanpedimso, 31, and Mohamed Adamu, 21, over an alleged plot to vandalise and steal materials belonging to the Enugu State Water Corporation.

According to the police, officers recovered a bag containing iron materials, bolts and nuts allegedly taken from the corporation. Ndukwe said the five suspects had been arraigned and remanded in correctional custody pending further proceedings.

The command said investigations were continuing, with efforts underway to track down other suspects believed to be involved in the alleged vandalism. Police urged members of the public to continue providing information that could help protect public infrastructure and assist ongoing investigations.