The Osun State Police Command has arrested six persons, including four workers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company over alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Ikirun.
The suspects comprise three IBEDC staff members, an IBEDC security officer and two welders.
The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended by officers attached to the Ikirun Police Division after the command received information about an ongoing act of vandalism.
Ojelabi said the police arrived at the location at about 6am and found the suspects allegedly cutting a high-tension electricity pole with a cutting machine connected to a generating set.
He said, “Six suspects found cutting the high-tension pole with a cutting machine powered by a generating plant were subsequently arrested.”
The police spokesperson added that investigators believed the group could be responsible for previous acts of vandalism reported in Ikirun and surrounding communities.
The suspects were identified as 55-year-old Onabamiji Emmanuel, 51-year-old Bolaji Odusanya, 36-year-old Alimi Akeem, 52-year-old Balogun Kehinde, 31-year-old Oyewo Hammed and 22-year-old Oladosu Hammed.
The command said Emmanuel, Odusanya and Akeem are IBEDC employees, while Balogun works as a security personnel with the electricity distribution company. Oyewo and Oladosu were described as welders.
Items reportedly recovered at the scene included a cutting machine, generating set and welding equipment.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Zungura, directed that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The police said the suspects would be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
The command also warned against the vandalism or theft of public infrastructure, stressing that it would continue to use intelligence-led operations to identify and apprehend those involved.
Ojelabi urged residents to provide credible information that could help the police prevent criminal activities and protect critical infrastructure across the state.
The police commissioner further assured residents that the command would continue to safeguard public utilities and ensure that persons suspected of sabotaging essential services are brought to justice.
