The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has successfully secured the conviction of two individuals involved in the brazen act of vandalizing a transformer in the Olodi Apapa area of Lagos.
Hassan Saidu and Abdullami Aliu have been sentenced to six months imprisonment on multiple charges, including conspiracy, stealing, willful damage, obstruction of public peace, and vandalism.
The verdict comes as a stern warning to those who engage in the criminal act of damaging vital electrical infrastructure.
In a statement released by the EKEDC on Friday, the General Manager of Corporate Communications, Babatunde Lasaki, expressed his dismay at the increasing incidents of vandalism plaguing the company’s efforts to provide uninterrupted power supply to its customers.
Lasaki stated, “It is very appalling that our equipment installed for the use of our esteemed customers is vandalized by unscrupulous elements in society”.
“While we are working assiduously to improve our services, some members of society are frustrating our efforts and taking us backwards.”
The conviction of Saidu and Aliu is a testament to EKEDC’s commitment to holding those responsible for acts of vandalism accountable.
The General Manager vowed not to relentlessly pursue legal actions against thieves and vandals, emphasizing that these convictions should deter potential offenders.
Meanwhile, another individual, Arisu Umar, has also been apprehended for stealing a transformer cable in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos.
Umar was arrested by the PPL police station patrol team and subsequently arraigned before the Iba Magistrate Court 2A, Ojo.
He pleaded guilty to a three-count felony charge, stealing, and criminal/willful damage. The case has been adjourned for facts and sentencing on February 22, 2024.
The EKEDC, through its spokesperson, commended the swift action of the PPL police station for apprehending Umar and urged security agencies and communities to collaborate in securing electricity equipment and installations.
Lasaki warned potential vandals to steer clear of the company’s equipment, emphasizing that the same fate awaits those who engage in such criminal activities.
Vandalism of power infrastructure remains a significant challenge for electricity distribution companies, leading to service downtime and affecting the overall reliability of power supply.
Lasaki urged customers to collaborate with EKEDC in its quest for a safe, constant, and reliable power supply.
The company is actively engaging with security agencies and communities to enhance the security of its equipment.
Lasaki called for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public to ensure the protection of shared resources that contribute to the overall improvement of power supply in the region.
As EKEDC continues its efforts to combat vandalism and improve services, the convictions of Saidu and Aliu mark a crucial step towards deterring criminal activities that hinder the progress of the electricity distribution company.
The public is encouraged to join with EKEDC in safeguarding essential infrastructure for the benefit of all stakeholders and the community.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
