Three Suspected Transformer Vandals Arrested In Ondo

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a gang of vandals who specialised in vandalizing transformers in riverine area of the state.

The suspects, Dayo Babatunde (35), Isaac Odiwri (35) and Kunle Okuyiga (25) according to police were seen on 26th October, 2018 at about 2pm vandalizing and removing some valuable items from the newly installed transformer at Ode-Etikan town, in Ilaje.

According to Ondo Police Spokesman, Femi Joseph said the vandals on sighting the members of the community, started shooting and took to their heels and disappeared to unknown destination. But they were later arrested following the intelligence gathering with the effort from members of the community.

Joseph said that one locally made single barrel gun was recovered from one of the suspect, Isaac Odiwri. Also recovered the following, one big Iron that was used to dismantle the gate of the transformer, copper wires and a Toyota Carrina E Car.

He maintained that upon interrogation the suspects confessed to the commission of the crime and mentioned other members of the gang.

The police spokesman however said efforts are on with a view to arresting other fleeing members of the gang saying that the suspects would soon be arraigned at the conclusion of the investigation.

Similarly, the police has arrested three suspected armed robbers trying to rob the residents of Zion Estate, FUTA area.

Joseph who confirmed the arrest to journalists said on 9th November, 2018 at about 8:45pm, a distress call was received from Zion Estate in FUTA Area, that armed robbers were operating in the Estate, immediately his men from Special Anti-Cultism Squad mobilized into the Estate with the cooperation of the Vigilantes and arrested the suspects.

Suspects include Michael Ojo (21), Ojo Monday (22) and Afariogun Abiodun (21) a notorious cultist with multiple gunshot injury.

Joseph said upon interrogation, they confessed to be part of the cultists involved in the AIYE and EIYE cult clash in Owo recently where Afariogun Abiodun sustained multiple gunshots adding that a short cut to size gun was recovered from the trio.

He posited that they confessed that one Old Soldier named Abass Haruna in Owo supplied them with guns while one Segun Asunloye is their Traditional Doctor that treats their gunshot wounds and also supply them with charms.

Both old soldier, Haruna and traditional doctor, Asunloye according to him have also been arrested.