A suspected cable thief met his tragic end after suffering severe electric shock during a failed operation at a critical power facility within the Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens, a Lagos Housing scheme in Igando.
The suspect, identified as Sadiq Danjuma, reportedly scaled the estate’s perimeter fence with an accomplice named Yahoo around 2:00 am to steal underground cables and electrical equipment.
After successfully cutting some underground cables, Danjuma proceeded into the Injection Sub-Station (ISS), where he was electrocuted. His body sustained extensive electrical burns during the incident, which occurred around 2:30 am. His accomplice fled the scene upon sensing danger.
Security personnel at the estate, including members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Mountain Troops, apprehended the injured Danjuma, who pleaded for medical attention and promised to confess.
In his statement, he revealed that both he and Yahoo had planned the theft and intended to sell the stolen cables to a local scrap dealer named Seriki. Danjuma added that their handler paid him N5,000 upfront, with a promise of another N5,000 upon completion.
He also disclosed that the duo had previously targeted the same facility, selling stolen cables to another buyer named Akanji at N10,000 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, residents of LKJ Gardens have criticised the NSCDC Lagos State Command over their handling of the case. According to the estate’s chairman, Olajide Andu, the suspect was initially treated as instructed, but the NSCDC allegedly failed to take responsibility for his detention and processing.
Andu expressed frustration, stating that after taking Danjuma to the NSCDC State Command at Alausa, they were asked to secure a medical report themselves. This led to multiple referrals between clinics and hospitals, with residents still transporting the suspect late into the evening. “As of 8pm, we are still with the suspect driving back to Igando from Alausa. What if his gang members had regrouped and attacked us on the way?” Andu questioned, lamenting the risks involved and accusing the NSCDC of discouraging lawful procedures.
Residents have since called on the national leadership of the NSCDC to investigate the Lagos State Command’s conduct and urged the Federal Government to intervene. They warned that such negligence could push citizens toward jungle justice, as faith in official channels continues to erode.