Father, son held over cable theft in Osun

Abimbola Joseph

A 60-year-old farmer, Taliatu Olunlade, and his 25-year-old son, Wasiu, have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State over the alleged theft of electricity cables.

The suspects, who reside in Agbona Village near Iwo, were paraded on Monday at the NSCDC State Command headquarters. Also arrested in connection with the alleged crime was Ganiyu Ayomide, 22, said to be Olunlade’s nephew.

Speaking to journalists, the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Toma Enya, said preliminary investigations revealed that electricity cables in the community had been temporarily removed in November 2025 to facilitate ongoing road construction work.

According to Enya, the removal was reportedly carried out by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in conjunction with community leaders. The cables were subsequently packaged and stored near Olunlade’s residence for safekeeping.

However, the cables were later discovered to be missing in stages, prompting an investigation by the NSCDC.

Enya said the investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that the three suspects allegedly removed the cables gradually and sold them to a scrap metal dealer identified as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar”, who remains at large.

“The suspects admitted selling the stolen electrical cables to Aminu on two separate occasions for a total of ₦150,000,” Enya said.

He added that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fugitive scrap dealer, assuring that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.