19 arraigned for stealing solar streetlights in Kaduna

Security agencies in Kaduna have arraigned 19 suspects for vandalising and stealing solar streetlights installed by the Kaduna State government.

Spokesman to Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan,  disclosed on Wednesday, saying that 19 out of the 22 suspects had been charged to court.

Aruwan further reiterated the state government’s commitment to prosecute anyone found vandalising or stealing public properties.

He stated that “security operatives have arrested 22 suspects for vandalising and stealing of solar street lights  fixed by the state government. Others in the net are buyers of the stolen properties within the metropolis.

“After careful combing of the crime scene, solar batteries and their covers and one iron saw were recovered inside the Cemetery on Bashama Road, Tudun Wada area of the metropolis.

“The operation which lasted two days raided all scrap iron vendors, roadside solar battery sellers mentioned in the deal.

“Items recovered during the raids included solar panels,  armored cables, vehicle spare parts and textile materials suspected to have been stolen were recovered from the suspects.”

Aruwan also revealed that  the suspects and the items recovered were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the State Police Command for further investigation to establish the criminal profiles of the suspects for possible for various offences for prosecution.

He also warned vandals to desist from these dangerous acts, as the state government would prosecute anyone found vandalising or stealing public property.