A 36-year-old suspected transformer vandal identified as Peter escaped lynching in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident occurred at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, disclosed this in a statement on October 12, 2026 said the suspect was found with burn injuries after a transformer explosion.
According to the PPRO, residents reported at about 10:15 am on Monday that they heard a loud explosion from their transformer at about 2:21 am, which interrupted electricity supply to the area.
Residents who rushed to the scene reportedly found the suspect lying on the ground with burns all over his body and attempted to lynch him.
Community leaders, however, prevented the mob action and insisted that the police be invited.
Upon receipt of the report, a team of police officers proceeded to the scene, rescued the injured suspect and took him to the station, where his statement was obtained before he was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
“The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old man, identified as Peter, in connection with the alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure following a transformer explosion at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension, Calabar,” the statement read.
“On Monday, October 12, 2026, at about 10:15 a.m., one Emmanuel and other residents of the area reported at the police station that they had heard a loud explosion from their transformer at approximately 2:21 a.m. on the same day, following which electricity supply to the area was interrupted.
“According to the report, residents who rushed to the scene found the suspect lying on the ground with burn injuries all over his body.
“Upon receipt of the report, a team of police officers from B Division, Calabar, proceeded to the scene, rescued the injured suspect and took him to the station, where his statement was obtained before he was taken to a hospital for medical attention.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly mentioned individuals to whom he sells items and reportedly admitted to previous acts of transformer vandalism in the area.
“Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the extent of the alleged criminal activity and identify any other persons who may be connected to the suspected offences.
“The Command reiterates that the vandalism or theft of electricity infrastructure poses a serious threat to public safety and disrupts essential services.
“Residents are urged to report suspicious activities around transformers, electricity cables and other public utility installations to the nearest police station rather than confront suspected offenders themselves.
“The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, assures members of the public that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring that all allegations are thoroughly investigated in accordance with the law.
“The Command further emphasises that the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence while investigations continue. Further developments will be communicated as appropriate.”