Community Leader Remanded in Custody for Theft of Solar Borehole.
By Uthman Baba- Sirajdeen Minna.
A Minna Chief Magistrate Court Number One has ordered the remand of Abdullahi Inuwa, a community leader from the Shabu area of Chanchaga Local Government in Niger State, along with two of his associates, for the theft of a solar motorized borehole intended to benefit the local community.
The borehole, provided by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, was aimed at addressing the chronic water scarcity faced by residents.
Recently, the Niger State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by DSP Ahmed Saidu, responded to a distress call from community members reporting threats against Inuwa.The police acted swiftly, apprehending Inuwa and the two individuals connected to him.
Reports indicate that the borehole, valued at five million Naira, was vandalized and sold to a scavenger in Yan Gwogwoni for the sum of nine hundred and fifty thousand Naira (950,000.00).
The police charged the suspects with multiple offenses, including Criminal Conspiracy, Mischief, Theft, and Criminal Misappropriation, as detailed by police prosecutor Inspector Bello Mohammed Beji. These charges, according to the prosecution, are punishable under sections 97, 327, 286, and 309 of the Penal Code.
On May 12, 2025, five community members lodged a formal complaint before the court, alleging that Abdullahi Inuwa, alongside Adamu Ibrahim, Isyaku Tanko, Hadiza Ladidi Abubakar, and an individual identified as Daddy Jammilu (currently at large), conspired to steal the borehole meant for public benefit.
When presented with the charges by Presiding Chief Magistrate Hajiya Ummulkhatum Mohammed, all suspects pleaded not guilty. Inspector Bello Mohammed informed the court that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend additional suspects who remain at large.
The magistrate granted the prosecutor’s request for adjournment and ordered the accused to be remanded at the Minna Federal Correctional Custody, with the case scheduled to be revisited on June 27.
