A community leader in Niger State, Abdullahi Inuwa, alongside two of his subjects, has been remanded in custody by the Minna Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly stealing a government-provided solar-powered borehole meant to benefit their community.
The borehole, valued at ₦5 million, was installed by the Niger State Government to address water scarcity challenges in the Shanu area of Chanchaga Local Government. According to court documents, the accused allegedly vandalized the installation and sold it to a scavenger for ₦950,000.
The theft was reported to authorities by five community members, leading to an investigation by the Niger State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the subsequent arrest of the suspects.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Bello Mohammed informed the court that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend additional suspects who remain at large, including one Daddy Jamilu.
The First Information Report presented to the court stated: "On the 12th of May, 2025, a formal complaint was lodged before the Minna Chief Magistrate Court Number 1, situated at the High Court Headquarters in Minna, by five members of the community that you, Alhaji Abdullahi Inuwa (Mai Anguwa), Adamu Ibrahim, Isyaku Tanko, Hadiza Ladidi Abubakar, all of Dutsen-Kuran Gwari village, and one Daddy Jamilu, now at large, conspired among yourselves and made away with one motorized solar borehole motor and panels."
The report further detailed that the stolen infrastructure was "situated at Kwasau and donated by the Niger State Government for the benefit of the Kwasau community."
The defendants face four counts including criminal conspiracy, mischief, theft, and criminal misappropriation, punishable under Sections 97, 327, 286, and 309 of the Penal Code. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The court granted the prosecution's request for adjournment and ordered the defendants remanded in custody pending further investigation and the apprehension of the remaining suspects.
The case has been adjourned to June 27, 2025, for further proceedings.
