AEDC: Man convicted over vandalism in Abuja electrocuted after returning to crime
The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command says an ex-convict, Muktar Rabiu, who was prosecuted and sentenced to community service for vandalizing high-voltage electricity cables belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, has been severely electrocuted.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed the new development in a statement on Monday, said Rabiu who was arrested in the Gwagwalada area of the territory on November 21, was electrocuted after he returned to the same crime.
Narrating the first incident, Josephine stated that Rabiu was earlier arrested and charged to court by the command.
She said the judge sentenced Rabiu to community service, which included receiving 42 strokes of the cane.
According to her, the seemingly light punishment did little to deter the suspect as he later returned to his “criminal ways, targeting a transformer in a brazen act of vandalism” a few weeks after the community service.
She, however, said that “this time, karma intervened”, stating that while attempting to dismantle the electrical apparatus, the suspect suffered severe electrocution, leaving him critically injured.
“He is now receiving medical treatment in a hospital and upon recovery, he will face new charges for his repeat offence.
“The FCT Police Command has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and has issued a stern warning against acts of vandalism and theft of public utilities.
“Such actions not only jeopardize lives but also disrupt essential services that communities rely on”, the statement added.
