Jimitota Onoyume
05 February 2013, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – Police in Rivers State have smashed a syndicate that specialises in diverting transformers released by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for installations in communities to the market.
It was learnt that 20 of the transformers meant for various communities were recovered at a warehouse on Aba Road in Port Harcourt.
The owner of the warehouse, during interrogation, said he bought the transformers from some traditional rulers and community leaders.
A top Police source said 19 suspects including a traditional ruler were among those so far arrested in connection with the scam.
According to the source, “during interrogation, the suspect confessed that he bought the transformers from some traditional rulers and community leaders. Based on the confession, 19 suspects, including a traditional ruler, have been arrested.”
The Police said a case of conspiracy and stealing had been established against those arrested and they would be prosecuted accordingly.
It was also learnt that no NDDC staff had been linked with the sale of the transformers. “No linkage with any NDDC staff since they had been supplied to the various communities.”
