The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested four minors accused of stealing iron rods from a construction site in the Guzape area of Abuja.
The suspects, identified as 15-year-olds Matthew Vincent and Timothy Shedrack, 11-year-old Moses Vincent, and another minor, Lucky Enock, were apprehended following a report by local residents.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the arrests followed complaints about unusual activities at the uncompleted building.
“Residents alerted the Guzape Police Station after observing the minors entering the site at night. Preliminary investigations revealed they scaled the fence to gain access and dismantled parts of the structure using crude tools,” Adeh said in a statement released on Sunday.
She further explained that the stolen iron rods were allegedly sold to a scrap dealer known locally as ‘Babanbola,’ who remains at large.
“Efforts are ongoing to locate the suspected scrap dealer, who is believed to be part of a larger network involved in the theft and resale of construction materials,” Adeh added.
The incident has raised concerns about increasing juvenile delinquency in the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, called on parents to be vigilant and provide proper guidance to their children.
“Parents and guardians must closely monitor their children’s movements, especially at night, to prevent such criminal behavior,” Disu stated.
He also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities promptly and urged construction site owners to improve security by deploying guards and installing surveillance systems.
Adeh noted that the minors would be sent to juvenile homes for rehabilitation.
“They will undergo rehabilitation, and those found culpable will face appropriate legal actions. The Command remains committed to maintaining law and order in the FCT,” she said.
She also appealed to scrap dealers to verify the source of materials before purchasing and to report anyone attempting to sell stolen items.
