KINGSLEY EBERE
The Management of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in Lagos were thrown into confusion after suspected vandals dug the ground at night and carted away N35m worth of armoured electricity cables supplying power to the Ikeja Local Airport and escaped despite the presence of security agencies.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened on 21st April, 2023, at Muritala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, where the power house that supply electricity to the domestic airport is located.
The airport was reportedly thrown into darkness, while the passengers boarding flights to travel and the FAAN staff waited for power to be restored to no avail for several hours. It was later discovered that the armoured electricity cables linking power from the International Airport to the local airport were removed while alternative power supply was eventually provided.
The management of FAAN reported the ugly incident to the Police at the Airport Division, who moved into action and arrested one of the suspects, Ibenne Chinaemere Gabriel, 28, while his accomplices, identified as Daniel, was said to be at large.
During interrogation, the suspect, Gabriel, reportedly confessed and mentioned Daniel, who is still at large as his accomplice but did not disclose how they managed to gain entrance to the restricted area where the cables were located despite the security agencies within the Airport.
The Police found him culpable after interrogation and subsequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrates Court for conspiracy and stealing while his accomplice was said to be at large.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Inspector Adeitan Oluwabunmi, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, M.A. Agbaje, granted him bail and ordered his remand in the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions while the matter was adjourned for mention.