A suspected serial vandal, Chidiebere Ohama, has been arrested in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, after allegedly stealing and selling a ladder belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to a scrap dealer.
Ohama, who hails from Umuariaga in Ikwuano Local Government Area, was caught by a local vigilante group while attempting to flee the Mission Hill area. He narrowly escaped mob action before being handed over to operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) from the Central Police Station, Umuahia.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed that he dismantled the EEDC ladder and sold it at New Road, Umuahia. He claimed he used part of the money to buy drugs and was saving the rest to process travel documents to Libya.
“I take drugs like SK and Indian hemp,” Ohama admitted. “I wanted to use the money to travel. My father is late, and my mother lives in the village.”
He also revealed that he lives in a forest area nicknamed “Down Below”, where he and other suspected criminals hide and plan their operations. The area has reportedly become a base for criminal activity in the city.
A member of the vigilante group, Chinonye Ikwuagwu, said residents have been facing constant theft of metal objects and household items, which led to increased patrols in the area.
Ohama, who had his hands and feet tied by the vigilantes, is now in police custody as investigations continue. Police say he may be linked to other cases of vandalism in the area.
Authorities have warned scrap dealers to stop buying stolen public property or face arrest and prosecution.