Two suspected vandals arrested, charged for dismantling three high voltage electricity transmission towers in Ebonyi State.
According to a statement on Monday by the General Manager, Public Affairs, of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ndidi Mbah, the two suspects were arrested in connection with the vandalism of Towers T15, T16, and T17 along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV Single Circuit Transmission Line.
She explained the suspects, identified as Obinna Nweke and Monday Ezike, are both indigenes of the Ezza Umuhuali Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Adding that they were apprehended by local youths and members of a vigilante group acting on a tip-off, on May 9, 2026.
According to her, preliminary investigations at the scene established that structural tower members valued at billions of naira were systematically removed from the affected towers and allegedly sold to illicit scrap metal dealers.
She said that further investigations revealed that the criminal activity had been ongoing from January 2026 until the suspects’ apprehension.
Mbah said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Police Force at Ishielu Police Station, Ntezi, and have since been formally charged before the Ebonyi State High Court. Noting that while the two principal suspects are currently in custody, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend remaining accomplices believed to still be at large.
TCN strongly condemned the act of economic sabotage, which not only constitutes a grievous assault on national infrastructure but also undermines the stability of electricity supply to Ebonyi State and surrounding communities.
While commending the vigilance and swift action of the Ezza Umuhuali youths and vigilante group in bringing the suspects to justice, TCN urged host communities across the country to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activity around high-voltage transmission installations to the nearest security agency or TCN office.
