FCID arrests 9 over telecom vandalism, fake information, others

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has arrested nine suspects over alleged telecommunications infrastructure vandalism, shop breaking, stealing, receiving stolen property and the circulation of a fake publication purportedly announcing the closure of Access Bank Plc.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing on the major investigative breakthroughs and operational achievements recorded by the command between June 25 and September 18, 2026.

Akpanudom said the arrests followed intelligence-led investigations into three major cases handled by the Annex during the period.

According to him, four suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged vandalism of telecommunications facilities belonging to ATC Telecommunications Nationwide.

He said the company, through its solicitors, petitioned the FCID on August 11, alleging that armed hoodlums had attacked and vandalised its facilities in parts of the South-East and Lagos between March and May 2026, carting away equipment estimated at N150 million.

The suspects, identified as Abuchi Odikemere, 29; Anyanwu Emmanuel, 28; Kayode Segun, 28; and Emmanuel Chineku, 17, were arrested at a shop at Pastor Alabi Close, Kosofe, Lagos.

Akpanudom said detectives recovered two surveillance cameras, 52 solar batteries, a hammer, a chisel, three small solar panels and two solar meters.

He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate, while those in custody would be prosecuted.

In another case, the AIG said four suspects, comprising three males and a female alleged to be a receiver of stolen property, were arrested over the breaking into a mobile phone shop at Ogudu Roundabout, Ojota, Lagos.

He said the incident occurred on May 19, 2026, with the hoodlums allegedly carting away 90 new mobile phones, 42 smart watches, two Oraimo speakers, 105 power banks and other accessories valued at about N20 million.

The suspects also allegedly damaged seven CCTV cameras and other property in the shop.

According to Akpanudom, detectives recovered three phones, a power bank, three generators and other electronics, while the suspects allegedly admitted selling most of the stolen items to a transborder receiver.

They have since been charged to court.

In a separate investigation, two women, Idorenyin Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were arrested in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over an alleged false social media publication claiming that Access Bank would shut down operations from September 23, 2026.

Akpanudom said the publication, which originated from a WhatsApp group, was subsequently copied and posted on Facebook by Umoh, whose account had over 12,000 followers.

He said the suspects had been arraigned at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on charges bordering on conspiracy, false publication, fabricating and digitally spreading malicious falsehood, economic sabotage and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

Beyond the cases, the AIG disclosed that the FCID Annex received 1,816 letters of complaint during the period under review.

He said nine complaints were referred to state Commissioners of Police and other formations, four were declined as civil matters, while 1,803 were referred for investigation and report.

Twenty-four cases were concluded and processed before various courts, while others remained at different stages of investigation, legal vetting and advice.

Akpanudom further disclosed that INTERPOL rescued 36 victims of human trafficking during the period, while one person was repatriated and efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects.

He said the FCID Annex would remain focused on protecting critical national infrastructure, combating economic sabotage and fraud, and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.