Police arrest three suspects with 30 solar batteries in Cross River

THE Cross River police command, has arrested three suspects alleged to have stolen 30 solar batteries along Ekprikang village in Bakassi local government area of Cross River.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa, made the disclosure on Friday in Calabar in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Inuwa said the suspects were arrested on Aug. 1, 2017, following a tip-off by some concerned members of the public in the area.

“On Aug. 1 2017, following a tip-off, we received information that some men were seen with some solar batteries along Ekprikang village in Bakassi, suspected to have been stolen.

“On receiving this information, a team of policemen were dispatched to the area and one Salisu Aminu, Archibong Ene and Godwin Essien were arrested in connection with the theft.

“We found 30 solar batteries in their possession. The solar batteries are suspected to have been removed from the Ekprikang/Ikang road solar light project in Bakassi.

“We also recovered from the suspects, 36 gallons of palm oil and 25 empty ones. The palm oil and the empty gallons were all suspected to have been stolen,’’ he said.

The commissioner told NAN that the suspects confessed to the crime, adding that investigation was ongoing with a view to charge them to court.

He urged members of the public to avail the command with useful and timely information that would help the police curb crime across the state.

“It is crystal clear that the police alone cannot accomplish the set-goals of tackling insecurity without the collaborative efforts of members of the public.

“I wish to solicit for more collaborative efforts of Cross Riverians in our efforts to safeguard lives and properties of every citizen.