The Bauchi State Police Command has said that a 21-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into the Christian Cemetery and stealing iron rods after destroying the graves.
The Command, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Ahmed Wakil, made available to journalists on Sunday, said that the suspect trespassed into the cemetery located in Yelwa in broad daylight and committed the crime.
Wakil said: “On September 20, 2024, the Bauchi State Police Command arrested Dauda Saidu, a 21-year-old scavenger resident of Yelwa, for trespassing, vandalism, and theft.
“The detainee unlawfully entered a Christian cemetery in the Yelwan Kagadama area of Bauchi, causing damage to several graves and removing iron rods during daylight hours.
“Following interrogation, Saidu confessed to the offenses, admitting to stealing multiple iron rods and selling them to scrap metal buyers in separate transactions, amounting to N9,500, N12,000, and N5,500, respectively.
“Saidu disclosed that the proceeds were used to purchase an undisclosed quantity of Indian hemp and food items for personal consumption.”
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, has instructed Saidu be prosecuted following the conclusion of the investigation.
“Additionally, he emphasised the importance of parental supervision and urged parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children and wards,” he stated.