Ikeja Electric, a leading electricity distribution company in Nigeria, has taken a significant step in its fight against vandalism and theft of electricity distribution equipment. Recently, three individuals were convicted by Magistrate courts in Lagos for vandalizing and stealing electricity equipment within Ikeja Electric’s network.
The convictions came after a thorough investigation and prosecution by the company, working closely with security agencies and host communities. Adegbite Jamiu was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for vandalizing a transformer serving the Igboye community, while Jeremiah Chukwuemeka and Joshua Udeh were each sentenced to one year imprisonment for vandalizing and stealing electricity cables from a transformer in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Reacting to the judgments, Mr. Babatunde Osadare, Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Officer of Ikeja Electric, commended the courts for their decisions, stating that the convictions would serve as a deterrent to others. He reiterated the company’s commitment to protecting its infrastructure and ensuring reliable electricity distribution to customers.
Ikeja Electric’s zero-tolerance policy towards vandalism is a welcome development, and the company’s efforts to work with security agencies and host communities to curb these infractions are commendable. The convictions are a testament to the company’s dedication to safeguarding assets critical to power supply and economic development.
The company urges community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, while avoiding taking the law into their own hands. With these convictions, Ikeja Electric sends a strong message that vandalism and theft of electricity equipment will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
