The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has arrested a 24-year-old bricklayer, Akeem Sulaiman, for allegedly vandalizing the Government Secondary School, Iwo.
Akeem was apprehended on Sunday, September 7, 2024, around 11:15 a.m., while attempting to transport stolen school property to metal scrap buyers.
According to the State Commandant of NSCDC, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, the suspect was caught red-handed by the corps’ personnel in Iwo.
In a statement signed by the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer (CDPRO) ASC Kehinde Adeleke, several valuable items, including 13 new stainless steel handwashing basins, a pumping machine monitoring box, communication cables, three stainless trays, and four hand shovels were recovered from the suspect.
Investigations revealed that Akeem had previously worked as a laborer for a building contractor during the construction of the school. He had allegedly been stealing from construction sites for over six years, selling the stolen goods to scrap metal buyers.
Commandant Adaralewa emphasized the gravity of the crime, referencing Section 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 34, Osun State, which criminalizes the wilful destruction or damage of property. He stated, “The suspect will face the full wrath of the law, serving as a deterrent to others who might engage in such criminal activities.”
In addition, the Commandant issued a stern warning to scrap metal buyers in the state, urging them to refrain from purchasing stolen items. “Those found guilty of buying stolen goods will be dealt with according to the law,” he warned.
The suspect is expected to be charged to court in the coming days.
