A middle-aged man seen in a viral video footage wielding a dangerous weapon and assaulting a staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) has been identified and arrested by operatives of Rigasa Division of the Kaduna State Police Command.
The suspect, identified as Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda, attached to Tudun Wada Police Station in Kaduna metropolis, was seen assaulting the victim and made several attempts at stabbing other officials of the DisCo with a knife.
Kaduna Electric had formally reported the matter to the State Police Command via a petition to the 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 its staff.
While seeking the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for thorough investigation, Kaduna Electric also sought the police commissioner to intervene in the matter and ensure its staff protection was guaranteed in order to carry out lawful official duties in the area without any form of hindrance.
A statement issued and signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, KAEDCO, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Kaduna Electric said the action of the Police officer was not only against the law, but could also set a dangerous precedent and pose 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 Bidda “viciously attacked the staff of the Company on lawful duty who were at his house at Rimaye Road, Hayin Danmani for routine inspection of his Pre-paid meter.”
According to the DisCo, investigation has shown that the customer vended for electricity only twice this year.
Eyewitnesses said the Kaduna Electric staff had arrived at the police officer’s home to inspect his meter for suspected bypass. The situation escalated rapidly when the officer, visibly agitated as seen in the video trending online, brandishing 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 his leg.
The violent incident has sparked discussions about the safety of utility workers and the challenges they face in enforcing regulations.
