₦100,000 Cable Deal: NSCDC Arrests Three Over Osun Electrical Cable Theft
A decision to keep electrical cables in a supposedly safe location during road construction has ended in an alleged theft scandal in Osun State, with a father, his son and another man arrested over cables reportedly sold for ₦100,000.
The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) paraded the three suspects following an investigation into the gradual disappearance of electrical cables at Agbona village near Iwo.
The suspects were identified as 60-year-old Taliatu Olunlade, his 25-year-old son, Wasiu Olunlade, and Ganiyu Ayomide, 22.
According to the NSCDC, the circumstances surrounding the case date back to November 2025 when road construction in Agbona necessitated the temporary removal of electrical cables in the community.
The State Commandant, Toma Mathew Enya, said the removal was reportedly carried out following an arrangement involving the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and community leaders.
The cables were subsequently packaged and stored at a location close to the residence of Taliatu Olunlade for safekeeping pending when they would be required again.
However, months later, portions of the cables allegedly began disappearing.
The development reportedly triggered an investigation by the NSCDC, which eventually led to the arrest of the three suspects on September 4, 2026.
Enya said preliminary investigations indicated that the cables were allegedly removed gradually and sold to a metal scrap dealer identified simply as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar.”
The scrap dealer is currently at large.
According to the NSCDC Commandant, the suspects allegedly sold the cables on two separate occasions for a combined sum of ₦100,000.
The case has again drawn attention to the vulnerability of electricity infrastructure and other critical public assets to theft and vandalism, particularly when equipment is temporarily removed during construction or maintenance projects.
Beyond the monetary value of stolen cables, attacks on electricity infrastructure can disrupt power supply, increase replacement costs and delay the restoration or expansion of services to affected communities.
The NSCDC, which has responsibility for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, said investigations into the Osun case are continuing.
Security operatives are also intensifying efforts to apprehend the scrap dealer allegedly connected with the purchase of the cables.
The command said the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The suspects remain accused persons, and the allegations against them are subject to determination by a court of competent jurisdiction.
