A 60-year-old farmer has admitted proposing a plan to steal electricity cables kept near his residence in an Osun State community, following the arrest of himself, his son and nephew by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The suspects — Taliatu Olunlade, 60; his son, Wasiu, 25; and his nephew, Ganiyu Ayomide, 22 — were paraded on Monday by the Osun State Command of the NSCDC over the alleged theft of electricity cables in Agbona village near Iwo.
Osun NSCDC Commandant Toma Enya said preliminary investigations indicated that the cables had originally been removed for safekeeping rather than abandoned.
Cables removed during road construction
According to Enya, road construction in Agbona village in November 2025 required electricity cables in the area to be temporarily removed.
He said the decision was reportedly reached between the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and community leaders.
The cables were subsequently packaged and stored at a location close to Olunlade’s residence for safekeeping.
However, authorities said the cables began disappearing gradually several months later, prompting an investigation by the NSCDC.
The investigation eventually led officers to the three suspects.
NSCDC alleges cables were sold to scrap dealer
Enya said further investigation suggested that the cables were allegedly removed in portions and sold to a metal scrap dealer and scavenger identified as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar.”
The alleged buyer remains at large.
The commandant initially said investigators established that the suspects sold cables to Aminu on separate occasions for a total of ₦150,000.
NSCDC said efforts were underway to locate the alleged buyer, while the arrested suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Father admits proposing theft
Speaking to journalists, Olunlade admitted his involvement and asked authorities for leniency.
He explained that he is a farmer and that his son and nephew, who are also living with him in the village, participated after he suggested the idea.
Olunlade said they stole the cables about three times and received ₦50,000 on each occasion, with the proceeds shared among them.
He promised not to repeat the act and appealed for leniency.
NSCDC warns against infrastructure vandalism
Enya said protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure had become one of his priorities since assuming office as Osun NSCDC Commandant.
He warned people involved in stealing, vandalising or illegally trading public infrastructure to stop, saying offenders would face prosecution.
The incident comes amid broader concerns about vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Osun.
The Osun State Police Command had also announced the arrest of six suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of a high-tension power-line pole in Ikirun.
Police said the suspects in that separate case were apprehended at the scene following intelligence received by operatives.
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