02/09/2026
Six Suspects Arrested for Alleged High-Tension Pole Vandalism in Ikirun
The Osun State Police Command has apprehended six individuals suspected of vandalising and attempting to steal an electrical high-tension powerline pole around Eko-Ende Junction in Ikirun.
The suspects were taken into custody by officers from the Ikirun Divisional Police Station after the police received credible intelligence about the alleged operation at about 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the suspects were allegedly found cutting the high-tension pole with a cutting machine powered by a generating set. Police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, reportedly arrived at the location while the suspects were carrying out the operation.
The police explained that the arrests came amid months of persistent vandalism and theft of electrical cables and other power infrastructure in Ikirun and neighbouring communities. According to the Command, the activities have contributed to prolonged power outages and darkness in the affected areas.
The arrested suspects were identified as:
- Onabamiji Emmanuel, 55, an employee of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in Ikirun;
- Bolaji Odusanya, 51, also an IBEDC staff member;
- Alimi Akeem, 36, an IBEDC employee;
- Balogun Kehinde, 52, an IBEDC security officer;
- Oyewo Hammed, 31, a welder; and
- Oladosu Hammed, 22, also a welder.
Police said a cutting machine, generating set and welding machine believed to have been used during the alleged operation were recovered from the suspects.
The Command further stated that preliminary findings suggest the six men may be connected to a larger syndicate allegedly involved in the repeated destruction and theft of electricity infrastructure within Ikirun and surrounding communities.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Zungura, has ordered that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough and discreet investigation.
According to the Command, the suspects will be prosecuted after the investigation has been concluded.
The police also issued a strong warning to individuals and groups engaged in the vandalism, destruction or theft of public infrastructure, urging them to immediately stop such activities. The Command said it would continue to use intelligence gathering and operational measures to track down and arrest anyone involved in such crimes.
Residents across the state were equally encouraged to provide security agencies with prompt and reliable information that could help prevent criminal activities and improve public safety.
CP Zungura reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun State Police Command to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring that individuals responsible for actions capable of disrupting essential public utilities face the full force of the law.
