By Victoria Tom
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old man identified as Peter over alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure following a transformer explosion in Calabar.
The incident was witnessed at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension, Calabar, in the early hours of Monday, October 12, 2026.
According to the Police in a press release issued by its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, residents of the area reported hearing a loud explosion from the transformer at about 2:21AM after which electricity supply to the area was seized.
Residents who rushed to the scene reportedly found the suspect on the ground with multiple burn injuries suspected to be from electrical shock.
According to the police, following the report, officers from the B Division, Calabar, responded to the scene, rescued the injured man and took him to the police station where his statement was obtained before being transferred to a hospital for medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations, according to the release, indicate that the suspect allegedly provided information about individuals to whom he sells items and reportedly admitted to previous incidents of transformer vandalism in the area.
The Police said investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the extent of the alleged activities and identify other persons who may be connected to the suspected offences.
The Command warned that vandalizing or stealing electricity infrastructure poses a serious threat to public safety and can disrupt essential services.
Residents are, however, urged to report suspicious activities around transformers, electricity cables and other public utility installations to the nearest police station rather than confronting suspected offenders.
CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, securing critical infrastructure and thoroughly investigating allegations in accordance with the law.
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