Mohammed Shosanya
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) is intensifying fight against vandalism,energy theft and assault on its staff.
The power company condemns the recent wave of criminal activities and Wednesday arraigned five individuals in court for their involvement in acts ranging from vandalism and illegal connection to assault against EKEDC employees.
The power firm restates its commitment to ensuring the safety of its employees and the uninterrupted delivery of reliable electricity services to its customers.
Detailing its current war against the vandals,the company disclosed in a statement that,Cletus Emmanuel was arrested on 9th March 2023 for stealing parts of the transformer and interfering with the same.
He was arraigned on the 11th of May 2023 before the Honourable Magistrate T.A Idowu sitting at the Magistrate Court of Lagos State, Lagos Magisterial District. He was found guilty of stealing and unlawful tampering with the transformer and convicted on 16th May 2023.
The suspect was sentenced to one-month imprisonment for each of the charges.
Besides,Adeshina Odunitan was arrested on 26th May 2023 for assault and unlawful obstruction of a line worker while lawfully discharging his duty at Oyedeji Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos.
He was charged with assault and unlawful obstruction. The suspect was arraigned on 31st May 2023 at Magistrate Court 22, Ajegunle. The charge was read to the defendant, and he pleaded not guilty to the 3-count charge. The defendant was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 and a surety in like sum.
The defendant has been remanded at Kirikiri correctional center pending the perfection of his bail.
The statement also quoted that Abraham Bluise and Ashiru Ibrahim were caught stealing aluminum conductors belonging to EKEDC. Both defendants were found guilty on the 25th of May 2023 and convicted on the 3-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and being in possession of stolen items. They were both sentenced to 6 months imprisonment.
Also,Yusuf Saliu was caught on three separate occasions connecting illegally to power supply in Mushin. He was disconnected for huge outstanding balance and failure to pay his current charge, so he resorted to illegal connection.
He was subsequently arraigned on the 7th of June 2023 at Magistrate Court 2, Surulere, Lagos. He was granted bail in the sum of N100,000 with 2 sureties.
The defendant was ordered to be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail. The matter was adjourned to 18th of August 2023.
Babatunde Lasaki, General Manager, Corporate Communications at Eko Electricity Distribution Company, expressed strong condemnation of these incidents.
He added:”The acts of vandalism, illegal connection, and assault against our staff are deplorable and unacceptable. We stand firmly against such criminal behaviour and will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.
“EKEDC remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators face the full consequences of their actions. We urge our customers and the general public to join us in condemning these acts and report any suspicious activities related to our infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.
“EKEDC will continue to prioritize the safety and security of its staff members and work diligently to improve the quality of life of its customers. The company encourages the public to assist in protecting electrical infrastructure and creating an environment of accountability and respect”