The Gombe State Police Command has arrested the village head of Garin Majidadi in Akko Local Government Area and a councillor from Kumo East, both accused of involvement in the theft and sale of a community transformer.
Muhammad Majidadi, the village head; Abdullahi M. Panda, the councillor; and Muhammad Sani of Sarkin Yaki Quartres were apprehended following credible intelligence reports from the Akko division.
They stand accused of stealing and selling a community transformer, which was subsequently recovered from Garin Majidadi village.
The transformer was allegedly sold for N1.5 million to Bello Ardo Kumo.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the recovery of the transformer and ongoing investigations.
He assured that the suspects would face prosecution once the investigation is concluded.
In an interview, the village head, Muhammad Majidadi, claimed the transformer had been dysfunctional and vandalized for over a decade, with significant parts stolen.
He stated that after informing their district head, they decided, as a community, to sell the remaining parts to raise funds for boreholes. However, they were arrested by police during the process.
Councillor Abdullahi Panda denied giving permission for the sale, stating he advised the village head to document the intention and inform the district head, planning to discuss it further on Monday.
He expressed disappointment that the sale occurred before proper procedures were followed.
