NIJ Security Guards Accused Of N3m Cable Theft

POLICE operatives from the Area G Command in Ogba have uncovered how security personnel employed by the management of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) allegedly disconnected the CCTV system and stole ₦3 million worth of armoured cables, plunging the entire school premises into darkness in Lagos State.

The incident occurred on 31st July 2025 at the school located in Ogba, Lagos, where the security guards had been employed to safeguard school property.

Five security officers—Abure Victor Olayinka (42), Emmanuel Ikhanoba (40), Mary Ogbonna (43), Segun Simeon (43), and Nwoko Ugochukwu (27)—have been arrested in connection with the theft.

According to police sources, the suspects allegedly masterminded the deliberate disconnection of the school’s CCTV system during the night. That same night, the armoured cables supplying electricity to the campus were stolen, leaving the institution in total darkness.

When management arrived the next morning and discovered the incident, they summoned the security guards on duty to check if the CCTV had captured the culprits. However, it was found that the CCTV system had been disconnected.

The guards were unable to explain how or why the CCTV system failed at the exact time the theft occurred, raising suspicion about their involvement.

The matter was promptly reported to the police, who launched an investigation, arrested the suspects, and detained them at the command for further interrogation.

Following their questioning, police found them culpable and charged them before the Ogba Magistrates’ Court for the alleged offences, which carry several years of imprisonment upon conviction.

The charges read as follows:

Count I: “That you, ABURE VICTOR OLAYINKA (M), EMMANUEL IKHANOBA (M), MARY OGBONNA (F), SEGUN SIMEON (M), and NWOKO UGOCHUKWU (M), on 31st July 2025 at about 04:00 hrs at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit a felony, to wit: stealing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.”

Count II: “That you, ABURE VICTOR OLAYINKA (M), EMMANUEL IKHANOBA (M), MARY OGBONNA (F), SEGUN SIMEON (M), and NWOKO UGOCHUKWU (M), on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal armoured cables valued at ₦3,000,000 (three million naira), the property of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Supol Philip Ademigbuji, requested a date for the hearing, noting the police would present evidence to prove the charges.

Presiding Magistrate Mrs O. Kusanu granted the defendants bail under the condition that their sureties must provide evidence of a stable means of livelihood and tax payments, with all residential addresses to be verified by the court.

The matter was adjourned for mention, while the defendants were remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos, pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.