Police arrest two over vandalism, theft at Ondo hospital

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The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a security officer attached to the Ondo State General Hospital, Igbotako, in Okitipupa Local Government Area, and another suspect over the alleged vandalism and theft of the hospital’s property.

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The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

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According to the police spokesperson, the prime suspect, identified as Promise Godspower, allegedly gained unlawful access to the hospital premises, vandalised electrical installations within the facility, and carted away electrical cables before his arrest.

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Jimoh added that the security officer, Pogbara Sigalo, was also arrested for alleged dereliction of duty after reportedly abandoning his duty post at the time of the incident.

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“The command has arrested suspected vandals involved in the theft and destruction of government property at the General Hospital, Igbotako.

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“The incident was reported on May 6, 2026, by a concerned citizen who informed the police that one Promise Godspower unlawfully gained access into the hospital premises and vandalised electrical installations within the facility before carting away electrical cables.

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“The criminal act not only amounted to theft but also caused serious damage to critical government infrastructure meant for public service delivery,” the statement partly read.

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Jimoh explained that detectives were immediately deployed to the scene, where a preliminary investigation was conducted and evidential materials, including photographs of the damaged installations, were obtained.

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Acting on credible intelligence and investigative leads, the operatives reportedly arrested the suspect, who later confessed to the crime during interrogation.

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“Further investigation equally revealed negligence on the part of the security personnel attached to the facility, one Pogbara Sigalo, who reportedly abandoned his duty post at the time of the incident, thereby creating the opportunity for the criminal act to occur.

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“Consequently, the security personnel has also been taken into police custody for questioning over his alleged dereliction of duty and possible connivance,” Jimoh added.

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The police spokesperson said the stolen electrical cables had been recovered, while investigations had been intensified to determine whether other accomplices were involved in the act.

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He added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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