Police arrest two over vandalism, theft at Ondo hospital

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

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

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According to the police spokesperson, the first suspect, Promise Godspower, allegedly gained access to the hospital premises, removed electrical items installed in the facility and carted them away before his arrest.

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He added that the security officer, Pogbara Sigalo, was arrested for alleged dereliction of duty after reportedly abandoning his duty post when the incident occurred.

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Jimoh said, “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 ‘m’ 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.

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“Upon receipt of the report, detectives were immediately mobilised to the scene, where a comprehensive preliminary investigation was conducted. Necessary evidential materials, including photographic documentation of the damaged installations, were also obtained.”

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Acting on credible intelligence and investigative leads, operatives of the command reportedly arrested the suspect, who allegedly confessed to committing the offence 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 ‘m ’, 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 have also been taken into police custody for questioning over their alleged dereliction of duty and possible connivance.

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“The operatives equally recovered the stolen electrical cables, while investigation has been intensified to determine whether other accomplices were involved in the act,” the statement added.

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The police spokesperson said the suspects would be charged in court after the conclusion of investigations.

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