NSCDC Arrests Man for Vandalising Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School in Osun State

In a recent crackdown on vandalism, personnel of the Osun State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) apprehended a 24-year-old man, Akeem Sulaiman, for allegedly vandalising Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School in Iwo.

The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by the NSCDC to tackle the rising cases of property destruction and theft in the state.

The arrest, which occurred on Sunday, 7th September 2024, was made public by Osun NSCDC Commandant Michael Adaralewa in a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde.

The suspect, a resident of No. 23 Aladorun Compound in Iwo, was caught while transporting stolen materials to local metal scrap buyers.

This incident has brought to light the disturbing trend of vandalism in public schools and the role of scrap buyers in encouraging such illegal activities.

According to the NSCDC’s statement, Sulaiman was arrested at approximately 11:15 a.m. on the 7th of September.

He was caught red-handed while transporting various stolen items from Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School to sell to scrap buyers.

The suspect had been under surveillance, and his actions were swiftly intercepted by the NSCDC personnel stationed in Iwo.

Upon arrest, a variety of stolen items were recovered from Sulaiman. These included 13 stainless steel hand-washing basins, a pumping machine monitoring box, communication cables, three stainless trays, and four hand shovels.

These materials were all part of the school’s facilities, which had recently undergone construction and renovation.

The stolen items, many of which were essential to the school’s functioning, were being sold to scrap dealers, further fuelling the black market for stolen goods in the area.

One of the most concerning revelations from the NSCDC’s investigation is that Akeem Sulaiman is not a first-time offender.

Commandant Adaralewa disclosed that the suspect had been involved in stealing from various buildings under construction for the past six years.

Sulaiman had worked as a labourer for building contractors and used his position to gain access to construction sites, stealing materials which he would then sell to metal scrap dealers.

His familiarity with the buildings and their security weaknesses allowed him to carry out his crimes without raising suspicion until his recent arrest.

The suspect’s long history of theft is a testament to the lax security measures on construction sites and public properties. Vandalism and theft of public infrastructure have become increasingly common in Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas like Iwo.

Schools, which should serve as safe havens for learning, are often targeted by vandals, depriving students and teachers of the necessary tools for education.

Sulaiman’s actions have landed him in serious legal trouble.

His activities contravene Section 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 34, Laws of Osun State, Nigeria, which makes it an offence to wilfully and unlawfully destroy or damage property.

The law is clear in its intention to protect public and private property from malicious destruction, and Sulaiman’s case serves as a stern reminder that such actions will not go unpunished.

Commandant Michael Adaralewa stressed that the suspect would face the full force of the law to serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar criminal activities.

He emphasised that vandalising government or public property is a serious offence and assured the public that the NSCDC would continue to take stringent measures to protect public institutions from destruction.

“The suspect’s actions have serious legal implications, and he will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

We hope this will serve as a warning to others who destroy public property,” Adaralewa said in his statement.

The Commandant also warned that anyone found guilty of similar offences would face severe legal consequences.

In addition to addressing Sulaiman’s crimes, Commandant Adaralewa used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to metal scrap buyers across the state.

He urged them to refrain from purchasing stolen items, particularly those that originate from public or government properties. Scrap buyers who knowingly purchase stolen goods contribute to the growing problem of vandalism, as they provide a market for thieves to sell their loot.

The Commandant warned that any scrap buyer found culpable of purchasing stolen items would face the full wrath of the law. “We caution all scrap dealers to desist from buying stolen materials, especially those sourced from public institutions.

Anyone found complicit will be dealt with according to the law,” he added.

This warning highlights the importance of addressing the demand side of the vandalism issue.

By cutting off the market for stolen goods, authorities hope to reduce the incidence of theft and vandalism, particularly in public institutions like schools.

The arrest of Akeem Sulaiman is just one of many cases that underline the need for increased security in public institutions across Nigeria. Schools, hospitals, and government buildings are frequently targeted by vandals, who see them as easy targets for theft.

The consequences of such actions can be devastating, as they not only result in financial losses but also disrupt the delivery of essential services.

Public schools, in particular, have been hard-hit by this trend.

The destruction of school facilities such as hand-washing basins and communication cables hampers the ability of students and teachers to engage in effective learning.

The government, along with law enforcement agencies, must continue to prioritise the protection of these institutions through better security measures, regular monitoring, and swift legal action against offenders.

The arrest of Akeem Sulaiman for the vandalism of Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School is a step forward in the fight against the destruction of public property.

However, it also serves as a reminder of the broader issues that need to be addressed in combating vandalism and theft.

Strengthening security, enforcing the law, and discouraging the illegal purchase of stolen goods are key steps in ensuring that public institutions remain protected.

The NSCDC’s commitment to prosecuting Sulaiman and other offenders is a positive move, but continued vigilance and public cooperation will be essential in preventing future incidents of this nature.

By addressing both the supply and demand sides of the problem, authorities can make significant progress in safeguarding public assets across Osun State and beyond.