The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 60-year-old farmer, his 25-year-old son and his nephew over the alleged theft of electricity cables in Agbona village, near Iwo, Osun State.
The suspects were identified as Taliatu Olunlade, Wasiu Olunlade and 22-year-old Ganiyu Ayomide.
The Osun NSCDC Commandant, Toma Enya, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the command headquarters on Monday.
Enya said the case stemmed from the disappearance of electricity cables that had been temporarily removed from the community during road construction in November 2025.
According to him, the removal was reportedly carried out following an arrangement between the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and community leaders in Agbona.
The cables were packaged and kept near the residence of Olunlade for safekeeping.
However, Enya said the cables began disappearing gradually several months later, prompting the NSCDC to commence an investigation.
He said the investigation led to the arrest of the three suspects, who allegedly removed the cables in batches and sold them to a scrap dealer identified as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar.”
Aminu, according to the command, is currently at large.
Enya said the suspects allegedly confessed to selling the stolen cables to the scrap dealer on two occasions for a total of N150,000.
Olunlade, while speaking with journalists, reportedly admitted involvement in the crime and appealed for leniency.
He said he suggested the idea to his son and nephew, who lived with him in the village.
“We have stolen the cables about three times. On each occasion, we were paid N50,000 and we shared the proceeds equally,” Olunlade said.
He promised not to engage in the act again.
Enya said the NSCDC would intensify efforts to apprehend Aminu and bring him to justice.
He added that the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The commandant warned individuals involved in the vandalism, theft or illegal trading of critical national assets and infrastructure to stop such activities.
He said the NSCDC would continue working with relevant stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure across the state.
Separately, the Osun State Police Command recently announced the arrest of six suspects over the alleged vandalisation and theft of a high-tension powerline pole in Ikirun.
The police said the suspects were apprehended at the scene of the alleged offence following credible intelligence.
