The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested eight suspects over suspected vandalism of railway sleepers in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mohammed Mahmoud-Fari, disclosed this on Wednesday, during the parade of the suspects at the Command’s headquarters on Wednesday.
He confirmed that operatives of the command arrested the suspects on March 31, in Agyaragu village with 370 pieces of the sleepers which was being conveyed in a truck to Lafia.
The commandant stated that the prime suspect, driver of the truck and one other were initially apprehended while five other suspects were later arrested, adding that investigation was ongoing to arrest other accomplices and prosecute them accordingly.
Mr Mahmoud-Fari noted that he had directed all divisional officers in the command to ensure maximum protection of railway facilities in their areas.
The prime suspect, speaking with newsmen revealed that he was contracted by one Alhaji to remove the railway sleepers with the claim that they had become obsolete and were about to be replaced
According to him, the Alhaji offered to pay N200 per sleeper, adding that the plan was to meet him in Lafia for payment, however when arrested, “the Alhaji’s mobile phone number was no longer connected.”
The unnamed suspect pleaded for mercy, saying his action was as a result of hardship and that he was lured into the crime ignorantly.
NAN
