The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two persons over the alleged vandalism of electrical installations and theft of cables at the General Hospital, Igbotako, in Ondo State.
The Command said the suspects were apprehended following a police investigation into the destruction of government property within the hospital premises, an incident authorities described as a threat to public infrastructure and service delivery.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, the incident was reported on 6 May by a concerned resident who alerted the police that one Promise Godspower, allegedly gained unlawful access into the hospital premises and vandalised electrical installations before carting away electrical cables.
The statement noted that detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene, where preliminary investigations were conducted, and that evidence, including photographs of the damaged installations, was obtained.
The statement reads in part, “Upon receipt of the report, detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene where a comprehensive preliminary investigation was conducted.
Necessary evidential materials, including photographic documentation of the damaged installations, were also obtained.
“Acting on credible intelligence and investigative leads, operatives of the Command swiftly arrested the suspect. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence.
”Further investigation equally revealed negligence on the part of the security personnel attached to the facility, one Pogbara Sigalo’m’, who reportedly abandoned his duty post at the time of the incident, thereby creating the opportunity for the criminal act to occur.
”Consequently, the security personnel have also been taken into police custody for questioning over their alleged dereliction of duty and possible connivance.
”The operatives equally recovered the stolen electrical cables while investigation had been intensified to determine whether other accomplices were involved in the act.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, has condemned acts of vandalism and negligence among security personnel, warning that the destruction of public property and failure to discharge security responsibilities will not be tolerated.
Lawal assured residents that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigations and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the security agencies.
