Syndicate of Transformer Vandals Arrested by Rivers Police
Prince Woke, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has smashed the transformer vandals syndicate terrorizing Rivers State and arrested six suspects, including the mediator between the suspected robbers.
The Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe Koko, in a statement on February 17, 2025, stated that on 9th January 2025, the Rivers State Police Command received a petition about the disturbing activities of unknown hoodlums attacking local security guards and vandalizing public assets.
SP Koko said the report suggested that on January 3rd, 2025, at about 0300hrs, unknown hoodlums vandalized and stole a 1,000KVA transformer worth Fifty-Two Million Naira (₦52,000,000.00) from NNPCL Estate in Rumuokwurushi, Port-Harcourt, after tying and robbing the local security guards on duty of their phones and money.
The Police Spokesperson disclosed that acting on this information, operatives from the C4i Intelligence Unit through coordinated operations, resulting in the arrest of:
- Raphael Ngwuebor, ‘m’, is 52 years old, from Umezeoka Community in Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State, and an accomplice of the sponsor.
2 Christopher Nwagwu ‘m’ aged 50yrs from Aboh Mbise LGA, Imo State, who is the end receiver of the stolen transformer,
- Chimene Wagoha ‘m’ aged 35yrs from Ikwerre, Rivers State who 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 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.
- John Aguarar ‘m’ aged 36yrs from Etche LGA, Rivers State, the sponsor of the illegal transaction. He gave out his vehicle to transport the transformer and kept same in his office before finally selling it. The stolen transformer was recovered from the suspects.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a syndicate specialized in vandalizing and stealing transformers and electrical installations in Rivers State.
“The suspects and exhibit are in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate,” SP Koko stated.
