Suspect Detained for Alleged Theft of Lightning Arrestors in Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have detained a man identified as James, who is accused of stealing lightning arrestors from various homes in Edo State.

The alleged thief, along with his accomplices who are still on the run, is said to have gone from one house to another in Uromi, located in the Esan North East Local Government Area, pilfering these devices.

Lightning arrestors are crucial safety apparatus designed to safeguard electrical equipment against power surges by redirecting high-voltage strikes safely to the ground.

This criminal group reportedly focused on homes where the inhabitants were either on vacation or away on Sunday mornings to execute their thefts without interruption.

The suspect's luck ran out when he attempted to break into a house while the owner was attending church. ESSC operatives noticed his suspicious behavior during a routine patrol in the vicinity.

According to an insider familiar with the incident, it was revealed upon questioning that the suspect had already removed and stolen a lightning arrestor from the premises.

James allegedly admitted that he transports stolen goods to Benin City, where interested buyers acquire them.

In an interview, he explained that his motive for stealing was to obtain funds for the welfare of his wife.

Richard Balogun, Deputy Commander of the ESSC, affirmed the suspect's arrest, stating that James has confessed to the crime and has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and potential prosecution.