Police hunt for couple over ₦25 million telecom vandalism and theft in Badagry

Police in Badagry are currently on the trail of a wanted couple believed to be behind a major telecommunications theft and vandalism, with damages estimated at over ₦25 million. The suspects, identified as Afini Adeyeju Soliu, a security officer at a Lagos-based telecom company, and his wife Juli Melissa, are accused of orchestrating a daring crime that has rocked the sector.

According to reports, the incident occurred on October 27, 2025, when Soliu, exploiting his access as a security personnel, allegedly stole approximately 20,000 liters of diesel from the firm’s facilities. He is also accused of vandalizing critical fiber-optic infrastructure, causing extensive disruption to network services across Lagos and its environs. The damages from the vandalism are believed to amount to ₦25 million, impacting internet, voice, and data services for thousands of subscribers.

Sources within the telecommunications company disclosed that Soliu escaped the scene immediately after the attack, and investigations revealed his wife, Juli Melissa, who resides in the Okoafo area of Badagry, played a pivotal role in securing the job for him at the firm. It was during police inquiries that Melissa was found to have conspired with her husband to facilitate the theft and vandalism.

The police, who have since launched a manhunt, are holding Mr. Olashina Michael Olusegun, who served as Soliu’s guarantor, responsible for his employment and now under scrutiny for alleged complicity. The couple is believed to have fled Lagos, with reports indicating they are on the run in the Badagry area.

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The Lagos-based telecommunication firm has not yet issued a formal statement, but insiders confirm the incident has caused significant operational disruptions and raised serious concerns about internal security measures within Nigerian telecom infrastructure. The police have urged members of the public to provide any tips that could lead to their arrest through a dedicated hotline, 08029867556.

This case underscores the rising prevalence of internal theft and vandalism targeting critical infrastructure, with recent reports showing that vandalism of telecom sites has more than doubled since May 2025, according to the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Such attacks threaten not only national security but also economic stability by disrupting vital communication networks.

Authorities continue to intensify their efforts to apprehend Soliu and his accomplice, and the public’s cooperation is sought to restore security and safety within the sector.