Luck ran out on a suspected cable thief, Sanni Ismail, when he was apprehended by residents of Edun area of Ilorin, Kwara State, penultimate Friday.
The suspect, an Hausa resident of Sango area was said to have disguised as a scavenger to operate in the community, Pilot Crime gathered.
A police source divulged to our reporter that the suspect alongside two other members of his gang were caught by the residents while they were trying to cut cables from the transformer in the area.
“The cable thieves were sighted by a resident of the community who raised the alarm that attracted people to the scene. As the people approached the suspects took to their heels and ran towards where their motorcycle was parked.
“Unfortunately for them, they could not escape with the motorcycle and one of them, Sanni, was nabbed. The police recovered items like blade and other dangerous weapons as well as wraps of India hemp from him” the source said.
The source disclosed that the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation at the state Criminal Investigation and Intelligent Department.
“During interrogation the suspect confessed to be leader of the gang that specialised in stealing transformer cables within Ilorin metropolis in particular and the state at large. He revealed that they move around with instruments use in cutting cables.
According to the source, Sanni declined to reveal the buyers of the cables, adding that the police is working round the clock to get those who patronise the cable thieves.
“The suspect is yet to reveal identities of his other gang members who are at large. Discreet investigation is ongoing to get them arrested,” the source added.
