By Stanley Onyekwere
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned 16 suspects before the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, on charges vandalising critical government property and the unlawful possession of stolen items.
The arraigned suspects are: Abubakar Adamu, Emmanuel John Eze, Emeka Ezekiel, Ahmad Suleiman, Dennis Chigozie, Ismail Usman, and Victor Ezeokoye
Others include: Izundu Fidelis, Alex Okechukwu Eddy, Jonathan R. Obi, Simon Samuel, Mubarak Lawal, Okafor Ekene,Usman Lawal, Shuaibu Yahaya, and James Edu.
A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer
FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the suspects arraignment on January 22, 2025, was part of the ongoing effort at curbing the persistent menace of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure in Abuja.
This, the Police spokesperson said followsled an intensive crackdown on scrap yards (commonly known as panteka), culminating in the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen and vandalized government assets, including manhole covers, armored cables, and streetlights.
“The arrests were the result of intelligence-led operations conducted across various locations within the FCT. Upon their arraignment, the suspects entered pleas of “not guilty” and have since been remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre, pending further proceedings.
“This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the FCT Police Command to safeguarding public infrastructure and holding criminal elements accountable for their actions.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, has reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to maintaining law and order while urging residents to actively support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
“The battle against the desecration of public infrastructure is not one for the Police alone—it is a collective duty. Together, we can protect the lifelines of our communities”, the statement added.
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