Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company states that it is collaborating with communities to combat vandalism and electricity theft, thereby ensuring a stable power supply in Lagos.
The company, in a statement by its spokesman, Kingsley Okotie, also disclosed that three persons had been convicted for vandalising its infrastructure.
Okotie said this was in demonstration of IKEDC’s zero tolerance for vandalism and other infractions that could impede its commitment to efficient and effective service delivery to customers.
“We are pleased to announce that three persons were recently convicted by magistrate courts in Lagos as they were found guilty of vandalising and stealing electricity distribution equipment within the Ikeja Electric network,” Okotie said.
According to him, the Magistrate Court sitting in Ikorodu on May 5 convicted and sentenced one Adegbite Jamiu for vandalising a transformer serving the Igboye community.
He was reportedly arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful damage, and stealing.
“He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. His arrest was made possible by the vigilance of a community member who handed him over to the police. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently from the date of arrest,” Okotie said.
He added that on May 7, the Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Ikeja, convicted and sentenced Jeremiah Chukwuemeka and Joshua Udeh to one-year imprisonment each for vandalising and stealing electricity cables from a transformer located on Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
“The duo was apprehended on August 15, 2024, and subsequently charged with conspiracy, stealing, wilful damage to electricity cables, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The defendants pleaded guilty and were convicted and sentenced as charged,” it was stated.
Reacting to the court decisions, the Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Officer at Ikeja Electric, Mr Babatunde Osadare, commended the judgements and expressed hope that the convictions would serve as a deterrent to others while reiterating the company’s commitment to combating vandalism.
“These convictions reinforce our commitment to protecting our infrastructure and ensuring reliable electricity distribution to our customers. We appreciate the efforts of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies and urge community members to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities to the authorities, and avoid taking the law into your hands,” Osadare said.
Okotie concluded that Ikeja Electric would continue to work closely with security agencies and host communities to curb vandalism and safeguard assets critical to power supply and economic development.
