By Abah Joshua
A suspected Indian Hemp Dealer, Monday Awo has been paraded by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi at its headquarters in Abakaliki.
Dr Elijah Willie, the State Commandant of the corps who paraded the suspect alongside five other suspected electricity cable vandals, said the worth of the substance recovered from Awo was N200,000.
Willie said Awo, who hails from Ezza North Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi was arrested by the command”s Rapid Response Squad on September 3rd , at the Nkaliki area of Abakaliki.
“The suspect was arrested with 41 pieces of ‘Rizzler’ (paper used to wrap the substance).
“Investigation into the matter is ongoing and when completed, the suspect would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The state commandant said the suspect was arrested based on complaints by the area’s market union, of sabotage and not paying due levies to the union.
“The process of his arrest led to the discovery of the hard drug,”
“Four out of the five suspected electrical cable vandals were arrested at a mining site in Izzi LGA of the state on August 27th.
“The suspects include: Lawrence Kelechi, Uchenna Ogbaga, Chikwado Nwigwe and Nwaekuma Alo.
“They conspired and stole four drilling rods belonging to Afrimetal Trading Nigeria Limited valued at N720, 000.
He noted that another suspected electricity cable vandal, Tochukwu Elom was arrested inside the official lodge of Ezza South LGA chairman.
“He was arrested for vandalising copper thunder protection cables with the connivance of another suspect who is currently on the run.
“They have been vandalising properties of the council which include electric wires, air conditioners, fans, aluminum window gadgets among others.
He noted that the suspect had made useful confessional statements as efforts were on gear to arrest his fleeing accomplice.
Awo, said in an interview, confessed to be a dealer of the substance noting that
he indulged in it to enjoy good but does not allow his children to touch not to talk of selling it.