By Chioma Onuegbu

Uyo—The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested one Bassey, 21, an indigene of Afaha in Eket Local Government Area, for allegedly stealing solar power batteries.

Bassey was arrested yesterday with four solar batteries that he had removed from government-installed street lighting at Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, said the suspect, who specialises in solar power batteries removal, had also been involved in solar batteries theft in Ibesikpo and Eket councils.

He disclosed that all the solar batteries that had been removed from Grace B Road and its adjoining streets in Eket were traced to the suspect.

The PPRO said Bassey has confessed to committing the crime.

Elkana said the Police have begun investigation into the issue, adding that once investigation was concluded, the suspect will be charged to court.

Meanwhile, the PPRO said the Police had also arrested three persons for vandalising armoured cables from transformer at Ndon Ekom, Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Local Government Area.

He stated that the suspects, identified as Okon, Effiong and Musa, were arrested following sustained intelligence surveillance by policemen.

He said the cost of the cables was N77,000, adding that the three suspects had owned up to the crime, arraigned in court and remanded in prison custody.

“Following a sustained intelligent surveillance, operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested a syndicate involved in vandalising armoured cables from transformers at Ndon Ebom, Ekpene Ukim along Airport Road, Uruan Local Government Area,” DSP Elkana added.