Authorities are investigating an iron smelting company, over its alleged involvement in vandalism of manhole covers in the Federal Capital Territory.
The company, Abuja Steel Company, has been identified as one of the alleged receivers of the stolen manhole covers.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant, Public Communications and New Media, to the FCT Minister hinted that exhibits recovered from the company are in custody of the Police.
Olayinka, had on Sunday disclosed that security agencies had arrested some suspected criminals removing sewage manhole covers in Abuja, with efforts being made to apprehend their collaborators, especially buyers of the manhole covers.
He said the arrested persons are helping the security agencies with useful information about the buyers of the vandalized infrastructure.
However, less than 24 hours after, the media aide
stated that “the company is located along Abuja – Kaduna Road, and ‘exhibits of interest’ have been recovered from the company and are in custody of the Police.
“Further investigations going on as to the company and others’ involvement in the removal, purchase and melting of the manhole covers.”
Recall that a viral video posted over the weekend had shown the level of damage done to manhole covers.
The Minister who swiftly responding to the video lamented that Nigerians could go to the devilish extent of removing sewage manhole covers on highways and selling them, thereby putting the lives of road users at risk, vowed that government will do everything necessary to bring the perpetrators to book.
He said it was sad that government will use public funds to put amenities in place for the use of Nigerians, and criminally minded Nigerians will remove the amenities and sell them to Nigerians, who do not mind the danger their nefarious activities pose to their fellow Nigerians.
The FCT Minister thanked Nigerians, especially the man who took his time to record the video that went viral, describing his effort as demonstration of patriotism that the country desired
The covers are already being replaced as directed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
