16 Suspects Arraigned For Vandalism, Theft Of Abuja Manhole Covers, Streetlights, Other Public Infrastructure
These included manhole covers, armoured cables, and streetlights, all critical components of the FCT’s public infrastructure.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arraigned 16 suspects before the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.
The suspects appeared in court on January 22, 2025, to face charges of vandalising government property and unlawful possession of stolen items, according to Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer FCT Command.
She noted that the arrests followed an intensive crackdown on scrap yards, commonly known as panteka, during which the police recovered significant quantities of stolen and vandalised assets.
These included manhole covers, armoured cables, and streetlights, all critical components of the FCT’s public infrastructure.
The statement reads in part, “In a resolute stride toward curbing the persistent menace of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully arraigned 16 suspects before the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja. The suspects were brought before the court on January 22, 2025, to face charges of vandalising critical government property and the unlawful possession of stolen items.
“This development follows an intensive crackdown on scrap yards (commonly known as panteka), culminating in the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen and vandalized government assets, including manhole covers, armored cables, and streetlights.
“The suspects arraigned are: Abubakar Adamu, Emmanuel John Eze, Emeka Ezekiel, Ahmad Suleiman, Dennis Chigozie, Ismail Usman, Victor Ezeokoye, Izundu Fidelis, Alex Okechukwu Eddy, Jonathan R. Obi, Simon Samuel, Mubarak Lawal, Okafor Ekene, Usman Lawal, Shuaibu Yahaya and James Edu.
“The arrests were the result of intelligence-led operations conducted across various locations within the FCT. Upon their arraignment, the suspects entered pleas of ‘not guilty’ and have since been remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre, pending further proceedings. The case has been adjourned to January 30, 2025, for continued hearing.
“This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the FCT Police Command to safeguarding public infrastructure and holding criminal elements accountable for their actions.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, has reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to maintaining law and order while urging residents to actively support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
“The battle against the desecration of public infrastructure is not one for the Police alone—it is a collective duty. Together, we can protect the lifelines of our communities.”
Last Friday, SaharaReporters reported that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Disu, had directed all scrap dealers, junk collectors, recyclers, and others involved in ‘pantaker or panteka’ businesses in the territory to come forward for profiling.
Meanwhile, according to the commissioner, the move is aimed at identifying and regulating individuals involved in these operations within the territory.
Earlier in January, the FCT police command said its operatives had arrested no fewer than 50 suspects for vandalism and theft of manhole covers within the territory.
