A suspect arrested by Delta State Police Command has been brought before the court facing two counts of charges related to tampering with electric lines and cables.
The charges include conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically tampering with electric lines/cables, as per section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2014 (as amended).
Additionally, the suspect is being charged with tampering with electrical lines and cables under section 1(a) of the same Act. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on November 9, 2019, when the police apprehended a group of youths and vigilantes pursuing Endurance Edwin. The suspect was apprehended by police officers conducting stop and search duties at the Idu roundabout in Oleh.
Upon police investigation, it was revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in the vandalism of a transformer in the community, stealing its cables. Statements were collected from witnesses, including community members and the head of B.E.D.C Isoko branch. The case progressed through legal channels, and on May 8, 2020, the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) determined that there was sufficient evidence to charge the suspect with conspiracy to tamper with electric lines/cables and tampering with electrical lines and cables.
The DPP recommended that the suspect be transferred from the Oleh Magistrate Court to the Federal High Court in Warri.
In response to a viral video posted by a social media influencer known as “PARARAN,” the police command issued a statement debunking claims that Endurance Edwin had been arrested and held in a correctional center since 2019. The command labeled the video as false, misleading, and an attempt to tarnish the image of the police force and the local command.
The police command urged social media influencers to verify facts before sharing information and emphasized the importance of accurate reporting. CP Wale Abass, urged the public to utilize their platforms responsibly and to seek accurate information from official sources before spreading unverified claims. The police department also suggested that if the suspect’s family had concerns about the legal proceedings, they should address them through the appropriate legal channels.
