Suspected vandal electrocuted in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of Nigeria Police Force has said its operatives have recovered the lifeless body of an unidentified suspected vandal who was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize electricity infrastructure belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

In a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu was quoted as saying: “On 30th January 2025, FCT Police operatives responded to a distress call put through to the FCT Police Command’s Control Room and discovered the lifeless body near step-down electricity lines at Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro. Tools used for the vandalization were also recovered at the scene, while his accomplice had already fled.

“The FCT Police Command strongly warns individuals against engaging in such criminal activities, emphasizing that vandalization of public infrastructure is a grave offense that will not be tolerated within the Federal Capital Territory. Security operatives remain on high alert to apprehend perpetrators and ensure the protection of critical national assets.”

In a related development, the FCT Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old dispatch rider, Magaji Adamu, for allegedly transporting multiple cartons of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” suspected to be used for illegal purposes.

Adamu, a graduate of Gidan Waya College of Education, Kafanchan, Kaduna, was apprehended on January 20, 2024, during a routine patrol in Abuja. Upon interrogation, he admitted to working as a dispatch rider for a logistics platform called Gonymble since December 2024. He stated that this was his fourth time delivering the substance, which was always handed over to him by a man identified as Mr. Danladi.

According to Adamu, Mr. Danladi would call him and instruct him to pick up the packages near a police station in Jabi, Abuja, for delivery. Each delivery reportedly earned him N5,000.

Adamu, who recently relocated to Abuja in December, claimed he was initially unaware of the true nature of the substance. He said Danladi told him the gas was used in hospitals. However, upon realizing its actual purpose, he cooperated with law enforcement and led officers to his residence, where additional quantities were recovered.

The Command’s Spokesperson in another statement on Thursday night quoted the FCT Commissioner of Police as saying: “On July 11, 2023, a sister agency had previously mandated a nationwide crackdown on the illegal sale and misuse of nitrous oxide. It instructed law enforcement agencies to take swift action against its distribution in response to increasing concerns over its recreational use.

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“The directive came after a viral photo of a Nigerian rapper holding a balloon surfaced on social media, sparking controversy. Many online users speculated that the image depicted the use of laughing gas, which has become popular among young people.

“Nitrous oxide, commonly used for medical sedation and food processing, can produce short-lived euphoria, giggling, hallucinations, and lightheadedness when inhaled. However, prolonged abuse can lead to serious health risks, including memory loss, depression, lowered blood pressure, oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, heart complications.

“Although Nigeria lacks official data on fatalities linked to laughing gas abuse, the UK’s Office for National Statistics reported that between 2001 and 2020, nitrous oxide was linked to 56 deaths, with 45 occurring after 2010.

“In light of this development, the FCT Police Command warns residents, particularly those engaged in logistics and delivery services, to exercise caution and due diligence in their business dealings. Criminal elements often exploit unsuspecting individuals to transport illegal substances, putting them at risk of legal consequences.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Olatunji Disu, urges residents to be vigilant and verify the nature of the goods they are handling to avoid being implicated in criminal activities.

“He emphasises the importance of conducting thorough checks before accepting deliveries, reporting any suspicious transactions to law enforcement, and remaining cautious when dealing with unknown individuals.

“He recommends that logistics, delivery service providers, and ride-hailing services maintain transparent operations and prioritise adherence to legal and security regulations to ensure a safe and secure environment.”

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