From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
A middle-aged man seen in a video footage currently trending wielding a dangerous weapon and assaulting the Staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has been arrested by the Kaduna State Police Command, Rigasa Division.
The man who was later identified as Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda attached to Tudun Wada Police Station in Kaduna metropolis as seen in the video, assaulted and made several attempts at stabbing officials of the Electricity Distribution Company with a knife.
Kaduna Electric has formally reported the matter to the State Police Command via a petition to the Kaduna State Police Commissioner.
In the petition, it prayed that Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda be arrested, investigated and charged to court for assault, attempted murder, harassment, and intimidation of staff.
While seeking the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation, Kaduna Electric also sought the police commissioner to intervene in the matter and ensure its staff protection is guaranteed to carry out lawful official duties in the area without any form of hindrance.
A Press Statement signed by the Head
of Corporate Communications, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Kaduna Electric, said the action of the Police Officer is not only against the law but could also set a dangerous precedent and pose a serious threat to the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the State.
“The action of the Police Officer, to say the least, is in sharp contrast with the law and Police code of conduct; the relevant Police Authority shall be petitioned for appropriate administrative actions and subsequent prosecution”, the statement said.
It added that Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda “viciously attacked the staff of the Company on lawful duty who were at his house at Rimaye Road, Hayin Danmani for a routine inspection of his pre-paid meter”.
According to Kaduna Electric, the investigation has shown that the customer vented for electricity only twice this year.
Eyewitnesses said the Kaduna Electric staff had arrived at the officer’s home to inspect his meter for suspected bypass. The situation escalated rapidly when the officer, visibly agitated as seen on a video trending online, brandished a knife and attempted several times to deliver a fatal blow to the electricity worker. The employee was fortunate to have escaped unharmed. Unfortunately, a passerby who tried to intervene sustained actual bodily harm injuries to the leg.
The violent incident has sparked discussions about the safety of utility workers and the challenges they face in enforcing regulations.
