The Divisional Police in Obudu Local Goverment Area of Cross River State has on Wednesday arrested one Ifeanyi Ijekwu, a former staff of Lilleker Bros Nigeria Limited for stealing water installation equipment from the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL) treatment plant at Obudu main town.
Mr. Ijekwu whose residence is a stone throw from the water treatment plant was said to have been laid off by the water company and his arrest came following a tip off by concerned citizens.
“He is one of the many staff laid off by Lilleker in Obudu and they are the major challenge here because they know how to fix these things and remove them as well as their value,” said a government official, Emmanuel Akwagiobe.
According to CrossRiverWatch, a search in his residence at 27, Ogoja road in Obudu revealed items and tools he had allegedly stolen and uses for stealing. The arrest followed months of surveillance after complaints by both consumers, CRSWBL and Lilleker of theft of water installations.
“Several items were recovered from his house and he is currently with the Police,” said the youth council President, Benedict Agba who said there is cause to believe he may be connected also to the theft of armored cables in Obudu.
Meanwhile, the seizure of armored cables gathered by youths in Obudu urban following alleged theft of the cables after a bulldozer had unearthed them is breeding controversy.
The State Command is yet to comment on the arrest as the Public Relation Officer, ASP Irene Ugbo did not take calls by the time of filing this report.
