The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four minors in connection with the theft of iron rods from an uncompleted building in Guzape, Abuja. The suspects, identified as Matthew Vincent (15), Timothy Shedrack (15), Moses Vincent (11), and Lucky Enock, were apprehended following a report filed at the Guzape Police Station.
According to residents, unusual nighttime activities at the site led to suspicions. Witnesses reported hearing loud noises and seeing quick movements as the suspects dismantled parts of the structure. Preliminary investigations revealed that the minors scaled the fence and used crude tools to extract iron rods, which they sold to a local scrap dealer known as “Babanbola.”
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrests and stated that efforts are ongoing to locate the scrap dealer, who is suspected to be part of a larger network involved in the theft and resale of construction materials. She added that the incident underscores the growing concern of juvenile delinquency in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities closely and emphasized the importance of guiding them to avoid criminal behavior. He also called on the community to report suspicious activities and advised construction site owners to strengthen security measures, such as deploying guards and installing surveillance systems.
The arrested minors are set to be transferred to juvenile homes for rehabilitation, with legal actions to follow where necessary. SP Adeh emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the territory and called on business owners and scrap dealers to verify the sources of materials before making purchases to curb the sale of stolen goods.
