FCT Police arraign panteka operators, 16 other suspected vandals

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FCT Police arraign panteka operators, 16 other suspected vandals

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command has arraigned 16 suspects linked to the vandalism of public properties.

The FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh said the suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja on Wednesday, to “face charges of vandalizing critical government property and the unlawful possession of stolen items”.

In a statement on Friday, the PPRO said the arraignment followed an “intensive crackdown on scrap yards, commonly known as panteka, culminating in the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of substantial quantities of stolen and vandalized government assets.

The recovered stolen items include manhole covers, armored cables and streetlights

The arrests were the result of intelligence-led operations conducted across various locations within the FCT.

Upon their arraignment, the suspects entered pleas of “not guilty” and have since been remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre, pending further proceedings.

The case was subsequently adjourned to January 30, 2025, for continued hearing.