Family Syndicate Busted: NSCDC Nabs Father, Son, and Nephew Over Electricity Cable Theft in Osun

In a striking development highlighting the ongoing battle against public infrastructure sabotage, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, have arrested a three-man syndicate—comprising a father, his son, and his nephew—for stealing electricity cables in Agbona village, near Iwo.

The suspects were paraded at the Command’s headquarters in Osogbo by the newly deployed Commandant, Toma Enya.

How a Safekeeping Assignment Turned into Infrastructure Sabotage

The origins of the theft trace back to November 2025. Road construction activities in Agbona village required the temporary dismantling of power infrastructure.

In a joint agreement between community leaders and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), electrical cables were carefully uninstalled, packaged, and placed near the residence of a local farmer, 60-year-old Taliatu Olunlade, for safe custody.

Instead of securing the community asset, the arrangement exposed the cables to insider vandalism. Over the following months, sections of the stored infrastructure gradually vanished, prompting the NSCDC to launch a covert investigation.

Key Details of the Suspects

“I Suggested the Idea”: Father Confesses to the Crime

During interaction with press personnel at the parade, Taliatu Olunlade admitted to orchestrating the syndicate and pleaded for leniency.

“I am a farmer. My son, Wasiu, is also a farmer, and the third person, Ayomide, is a son to my elder brother. The two of them live with me in the village. I suggested the idea to them, and they bought into it.

We have stolen the cables about three times. On each occasion, we were paid ₦50,000, and we shared the proceeds equally. I plead for leniency. I won’t do such a thing again.” — Taliatu Olunlade

Commandant Enya revealed that the suspects systematically vandalized the stored cables piece by piece and sold them across two transactions to a metal scrap buyer known locally as Aminu (“Bollar”), who remains at large.

NSCDC’s Stance on Infrastructure Sabotage

Commandant Enya reiterated that safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) remains the cornerstone of his operational mandate in Osun State.

• Fugitive Search: Trackdown operations are active to apprehend Aminu (“Bollar”) and uncover further receivers of stolen state infrastructure.

• Legal Prosecution: All three suspects will face court charges immediately upon the conclusion of preliminary investigations.

• Public Warning: The Command issued a stern warning against the illegal trading of utility assets, emphasizing that vandals and scrap buyers will face prosecution.

This arrest follows parallel enforcement actions across the state, including the Osun State Police Command’s recent arrest of six individuals caught vandalizing high-tension power line poles in Ikirun.