Probe Launched Into Abuja Steel Company’s Alleged Involve In Highway Manhole Cover Thefts
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused an iron smelting company, Abuja Steel Company, of being one of the receivers of stolen manhole covers in Nigeria’s capital territory.
Fusion Chronicle Reporters on Sunday reported that some suspected criminals removing sewage manhole covers on highways in Abuja had been arrested by security agencies.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has alleged that Abuja Steel Company is among those receiving stolen manhole covers in Nigeria’s capital. According to a report from Fusion Chronicle on Sunday, security agencies have arrested several suspected criminals involved in the theft of sewage manhole covers from highways in Abuja.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant (Public Communications and New Media) to the FCT Minister, in a statement on Sunday, said efforts were being made to apprehend their collaborators, especially buyers of the manhole covers.
However, Lere Olayinka in a statement on Monday accused the recycling company located along Abuja – Kaduna Road of receiving metal stolen from Abuja, stressing that ‘exhibits of interest’ have been recovered from the company and are in custody of the police.
“One iron smelting company, Abuja Steel Company, has been identified as one of the alleged receivers of the stolen manhole covers,” he said.
“Further investigations going on as to the company and others’ involvement in the removal, purchase and melting of the manhole covers,” he added.
He recalled that it was made public on Sunday that arrests and recoveries were made by both the police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“The arrested persons are helping the security agencies with useful information about the buyers of the vandalized infrastructure.
“Also, as directed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, replacement of the manhole covers that were removed by the vandals commenced yesterday,” the statement added.
