The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully apprehended Akeem Sulaiman, a 24-year-old bricklayer residing at No. 23 Aladorun Compound, Iwo, Osun State, for allegedly vandalizing the AUD Secondary School in Iwo.
The suspect was caught in the act on Sunday, September 7, 2024, at around 11:15 am by vigilant NSCDC personnel. According to the State Commandant, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, Sulaiman was intercepted while attempting to transport stolen items to local metal scrap dealers.
Recovered from the suspect were:
- 13 new stainless steel handwashing basins,
- A pumping machine monitoring box,
- Several communication cables,
- 3 stainless steel trays, and
- 4 hand shovels.
Further investigations revealed that Sulaiman had previously worked as a laborer for the building contractor during the school’s construction phase. Over the past six years, he had reportedly engaged in stealing building materials from construction sites and selling them off to scrap buyers.
Commandant Adaralewa emphasized that vandalism is a serious crime, citing Section 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 34 of Osun State, which makes it an offence to willfully damage property. He affirmed that the suspect would be prosecuted and punished to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activities.
The Commandant also issued a stern warning to metal scrap buyers, urging them to avoid purchasing stolen goods. “Anyone caught trading in stolen items will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Adaralewa stated.
The arrest marks a significant step towards curbing the rising cases of vandalism affecting government institutions across the state.