Muktar Rabiu, a Nigerian man, suffered severe burns while attempting to steal electric cables, just weeks after he was apprehended for the same crime and given a light sentence.
According to FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident began on November 21 when Muktar was arrested by officers on Christ the King Road in Gwagwalada. He was found in possession of high-voltage electricity cables that authorities believe had been stolen from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). Following his arrest, Muktar was charged in court, where the judge handed down a sentence of community service, which included receiving 42 strokes of the cane as part of his punishment.
Despite what appeared to be a light penalty, the punishment seemed to have little effect on Muktar. Instead of turning away from his criminal behavior, he returned to the same illegal activities. In a brazen act of vandalism just a few weeks later, Muktar targeted another transformer in an attempt to steal more cables.
However, karma intervened in a tragic twist. On November 28, while attempting to dismantle the electrical apparatus, Muktar was electrocuted, suffering severe burns and injuries. The incident left him critically injured, and he was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
Now in recovery, Muktar faces new charges for his repeated crime, and authorities are prepared to hold him accountable for his actions once he is able to stand trial. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of electricity theft and the consequences of repeat offenses.
