Man arrested for allegedly stealing equipment in Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested a suspect, identified simply as James, for allegedly stealing lightning arrestors from houses in Edo State. The suspect and his accomplices, who remain at large, reportedly moved from house to house in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, stealing the devices. A lightning arrestor […]

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested a suspect, identified simply as James, for allegedly stealing lightning arrestors from houses in Edo State.

The suspect and his accomplices, who remain at large, reportedly moved from house to house in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, stealing the devices.

A lightning arrestor is a critical safety component designed to protect electrical equipment from power surges by diverting high-voltage strikes into the ground.

The syndicate reportedly targeted houses where occupants were either traveling or away on Sunday mornings to carry out their criminal acts.

Luck ran out for the suspect when he stormed a residence while the owner was at church.

He was spotted acting suspiciously by ESSC operatives on routine patrol in the area.

A source familiar with the case said that upon interrogation, it was discovered that the suspect had already dismantled and stolen the device from the compound.

The suspect allegedly confessed that he usually transports the stolen items to Benin City, where waiting buyers purchase them.

In an interview, the suspect claimed he stole the items with the intention of selling them to raise money to care for his wife.

The ESSC Deputy Commander, Richard Balogun, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect has confessed to the crime.

He added that the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.