The Federal Capital Territory FCT Police Command says an ex-convict, Muktar Rabiu, who was prosecuted and sentenced to community service for vandalizing high voltage electrical cables belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, has been severely electrocuted.
The command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, who confirmed the new development in a statement on Monday, said Rabiu, who was arrested in the Gwagwalada area of the territory on November 21, was electrocuted after committing the same crime again.
Narrating the first incident, Josephine claimed that Rabiu was earlier arrested and charged in court by the commando.
He said the judge sentenced Rabiu to community service, which included receiving 42 strokes of the cane.
According to her, the seemingly light punishment did little to deter the suspect, as he later returned to his “criminal ways, attacking a transformer in a brazen act of vandalism” a few weeks into community service.
She, however, said that “karma intervened this time,” stating that while attempting to dismantle the electrical appliance, the suspect suffered a severe electrocution that left him seriously injured.
“He is now receiving medical treatment in a hospital and, when he recovers, he will face new charges for his repeat offense.
“The FCT Police Command has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the protection of critical infrastructure and has issued a stern warning against acts of vandalism and theft of public services.
“These actions not only endanger lives, but also disrupt essential services that communities depend on,” the statement added.