A middle-aged man who was seen in a viral video assaulting a staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has been arrested by the Kaduna State Police Command.
The suspect, Inspector Aminu Yahaya Bidda, who works at Tudun Wada Police Station in Kaduna, was caught on video attacking the KAEDCO staff and threatening other officials with a knife.
Kaduna Electric had formally complained to the Police Commissioner, asking for Inspector Bidda’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution. The complaint highlighted charges of assault, attempted murder, harassment, and intimidation. They also requested that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a detailed investigation and asked for better protection for their staff to ensure they can perform their duties without fear.
In a statement, Head of Corporate Communications at KAEDCO, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, condemned the officer’s actions. “The action of the Police Officer is in sharp contrast with the law and Police code of conduct. We will petition the relevant Police Authority for appropriate administrative actions and subsequent prosecution,” Abdullahi said.
The statement revealed that Inspector Bidda attacked the KAEDCO staff who were at his home on Rimaye Road, Hayin Danmani, for a routine inspection of his pre-paid meter. The inspection was prompted by concerns that he had only vended for electricity twice this year.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated quickly. The officer, visibly angry, brandished a knife and tried multiple times to stab the electricity worker, who managed to escape unharmed. However, a passerby who tried to help was injured on his leg.
