The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 21-year-old scavenger for vandalizing Christian graves and removing iron rods in the Yelwan Kagadama area of the state.
SP Ahmed Muhammed Wakil, the spokesperson for the command, revealed in a statement on Sunday, September 22, 2024, that the suspect confessed to stealing several iron rods from the graves and selling them to scrap metal buyers for amounts ranging from N5,500 to N12,000.
“On September 20, 2024, the Bauchi State Police Command arrested Dauda Saidu, a 21-year-old scavenger resident of Yelwa, for trespassing, vandalism, and theft,” the statement read.
“The detainee unlawfully entered a Christian cemetery in the Yelwan Kagadama area of Bauchi, causing damage to several graves and removing iron rods during daylight hours.
“Following interrogation, Saidu confessed to the offences, admitting to stealing multiple iron rods and selling them to scrap metal buyers in separate transactions, amounting to N9,500, N12,000, and N5,500, respectively. Saidu disclosed that the proceeds were used to purchase an undisclosed quantity of Indian hemp and food items for personal consumption.
“CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, psc, Anipr, has instructed that Saidu be prosecuted following the conclusion of the investigation. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of parental supervision and urged parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children and wards.”