Wike Vows Prosecution for 50 Suspected Vandals of Abuja’s Manhole Covers
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the 50 individuals recently arrested for vandalizing manhole covers on Abuja’s roads will face full prosecution. This strong stance follows the detention of 50 suspects by the Nigerian Police Command in the FCT, who were caught in possession of 25 stolen manhole covers and solar streetlights.
Wike, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, emphasized that the suspects would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and for jeopardizing the safety of the public. He stressed that the government’s commitment to holding criminals accountable remains unwavering.
“No criminal will be spared,” Wike declared, as he affirmed that anyone found guilty of stealing or purchasing public infrastructure would be apprehended and punished to the fullest extent of the law.
The minister described the arrest as part of the FCT Administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, particularly the vandalism of public utilities. He praised the efforts of security agencies for their swift and effective actions, referring to their collaboration as “fantastic.”
Wike reassured the residents of the FCT that their lives and properties were secure, adding that the administration would continue to act decisively on any future incidents of vandalism. He also acknowledged the role of patriotic Nigerians who have been speaking out and alerting authorities to such crimes, especially one individual who helped in exposing the stolen manhole covers.
He urged the public to remain vigilant, noting that those involved in these criminal activities are often familiar faces living among the community. Wike called for continued collective action, asking Nigerians to expose such wrongdoers before they can cause further harm to the country’s infrastructure.
“We must all be responsible in protecting public amenities, and with the support of every citizen, we can eradicate this menace,” he concluded.
