Port Harcourt, Rivers State - In a major victory against infrastructure vandalism, the Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of six individuals suspected of involvement in the theft and sale of transformers. The arrests follow a coordinated operation by the C4i Intelligence Unit and come after a brazen theft earlier this month.
According to State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command received a petition on January 9, 2025, detailing the activities of vandals targeting security guards and public property. The petition highlighted an incident on January 3, 2025, at approximately 3:00 am, where a 1,000KVA transformer, valued at a staggering ₦52,000,000.00, was stolen from the NNPCL Estate in Rumuokwurushi, Port Harcourt. The thieves reportedly tied up and robbed the on-duty security guards, stealing their phones and cash before making off with the valuable equipment.
Following a thorough investigation, police apprehended six suspects believed to be key players in the operation:
- Raphael Ngwuebor (52): From Umezeoka Community, Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State, Ngwuebor is an accomplice of the operation's sponsor.
- Christopher Nwagwu (50): From Aboh Mbaise LGA, Imo State, Nwagwu is identified as the individual who received the stolen transformer.
- Chimene Wagoha (35): From Ikwerre, Rivers State, Wagoha allegedly accompanied the driver and assisted in transporting the stolen transformer to the sponsor's office.
- Chikodi Ogu (38): From Omuma LGA, Rivers State, Ogu is suspected of assisting in the removal of the transformer from the NNPCL Estate.
- Obinna Nwankwo (43): From Omuma LGA, Rivers State, Nwankwo is accused of acting as the facilitator and mediator between the thieves and the receiver, negotiating the sale price of the transformer. Police confirmed that ₦10,500,000.00 was paid into his bank account.
- John Aguarar (36): From Etche LGA, Rivers State, Aguarar is believed to be the sponsor of the illegal transaction. He allegedly provided his Hiace van for transporting the transformer and stored it in his office before its eventual sale.
The stolen transformer has been recovered by the police.
SP Iringe-Koko stated that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a larger syndicate specializing in the vandalism and theft of transformers and electrical installations across Rivers State. The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network. The Rivers State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating these crimes and protecting critical infrastructure.
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