Suspected vandal electrocuted in Yobe power theft attempt

A suspected vandal was found dead inside a transformer substation at Commissioners’ Quarters 1, Damaturu, Yobe State.

The Damaturu police patrol team, “Operation Haba Maza,” responded to the incident, removing the body and taking it to the mortuary at Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, where relatives later identified and claimed the remains.

In a statement released on Saturday, Blessing Tunoh, the Communications Officer of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), confirmed that the company’s Regional Manager and the Operation and Maintenance Officer had visited the scene after receiving the report.

According to Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, police investigations revealed that the suspect was attempting to steal electrical components during a power outage around 1:00 am when he was electrocuted after power was unexpectedly restored. His body was discovered early in the morning by locals heading to the mosque for morning prayers.

The incident was reported to the Maisandari ‘B’ Division of the Yobe State Police Command, which dispatched officers to remove the body.

Tunoh further quoted the PPRO, stating, “We will continue to collaborate with the YEDC to safeguard their installations and ensure that vandals caught tampering with power infrastructure are prosecuted.”