The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command has arraigned 16 suspects linked to the vandalism of public properties.
The FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh said the suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja on Wednesday, to “face charges of vandalizing critical government property and the unlawful possession of stolen items”.
In a statement on Friday, the PPRO said the arraignment followed an “intensive crackdown on scrap yards, commonly known as panteka, culminating in the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen and vandalized government assets.
Manhole covers, armored wires, and lighting were among the recovered stolen equipment.
The arrests were the outcome of intelligence-led operations carried out across numerous places in the FCT.
To their arraignment, the accused filed pleas of “not guilty” and were held to the Keffi Correctional Centre for further procedures.
The matter was then rescheduled for a prolonged hearing on January 30, 2025.
