Two Arrested for Attempted Theft of Solar Streetlights

On a Sunday morning, two men, identified as Ayebademon Peremobowei and Pere John, were arrested for attempting to steal solar streetlights along Bulou Orua Ebedebiri Road in Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Local hunters caught the suspects in the act and raised an alarm, which led to their detention by the Bayelsa State Police Command.

Musa Moham, the spokesperson for the police, confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are ongoing, with possible prosecution to follow. The area has seen the installation of 100 solar lights as part of a project by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) aimed at improving rural electrification and enhancing security and economic activities.

However, vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, including solar streetlights, have become recurring issues, undermining the benefits of such projects. In December 2024, two other suspects were electrocuted while attempting to steal a streetlight pole in Sagbama, highlighting ongoing security concerns.