By Tina Amanda
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with the theft of a Fifty-Two Million Naira (₦52,000,000.00) transformer from the NNPCL Estate in Rumuokwurushi, Port Harcourt.
According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrest follows a petition reporting attacks on local security guards and vandalism of public assets.
The incident occurred on January 3, 2025, at around 3:00 a.m. when hoodlums tied up security guards, robbed them of their phones, and money, and made away with a 1,000KVA transformer.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the C4i Intelligence Unit launched an operation that led to the arrest of:
Raphael Ngwuebor, ‘m’ aged 52yrs, from Umezeoka Community in Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State, an accomplice of the sponsor.
Christopher Nwagwu ‘m’ aged 50yrs from Aboh My Side LGA, Imo State is the end receiver of the stolen transformer. Chimene Wagoha ‘m’ aged 35yrs from Ikwerre, Rivers State accompanied the driver and lifted the stolen transformer, and drove it to the sponsor’s office,
Chikodi Ogu ‘m’ aged 38yrs from Omuma LGA, Rivers State who assisted the Hiab driver and removed the transformer from the Estate.Obinna Nwankwo ‘m’ aged 43yrs from Omuma LGA, Rivers State was the facilitator and mediator between the robbers and the receiver.
He also negotiated the purchase price of the transformer and the sum of Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (#10,500,000.00) was paid into his Bank Account.
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John Aguarar ‘m’ aged 36yrs from Etche LGA, Rivers State, the sponsor of the illegal transaction. He gave out his Hiab to transport the transformer and kept same in his office before finally selling it.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a syndicate specialized in vandalizing and stealing transformers and electrical installations in Rivers State.
The stolen transformer has been recovered, and the suspects remain in police custody. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Rivers State Police Command reassures the public of its commitment to tackling crime and urges residents to report suspicious activities.
