Eko Electric steps up legal action against assault, illegal connection, vandalism, arraigns 5 individuals
Oredola Adeola
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has announced that five individuals have been arraigned in court for their involvement in acts ranging from vandalism and illegal connection to assault against EKEDC employees.
Babatunde Lasaki, General Manager, Corporate Communications. EKEDC made this known in a statement obtained by EnergyDay on Wednesday.
According to him the management of EKEDC strongly condemns the recent wave of criminal activities targeting its operations and staff members. He added that EKEDC is commited to ensuring the safety of its employees and the uninterrupted delivery of reliable electricity services to its customers.
Give a breakdown of the suspects who have been prosecuted, Lasaki said, one, Cletus Emmanuel was arrested on March, 9, 2023 for stealing parts of the transformer and interfering with the same.
He said, “The suspect was arraigned on the May 11, 2023, before the Magistrate T.A Idowu sitting at the Magistrate Court of Lagos State, Lagos Magisterial District.
“He was found guilty of stealing & unlawful tampering with the transformer and convicted on 16th May 2023. The suspect was sentenced to one-month imprisonment for each of the charges.
Lasaki further stated that another suspect, Adeshina Odunitan was arrested on May 26, 2023 for assault and unlawful obstruction of a line worker while lawfully discharging his duty at Oyedeji Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos.
According to him the suspect was charged with assault and unlawful obstruction and he was later arraigned on May 31, 2023 at Magistrate Court 22, Ajegunle.
The EKEDC’s spokesperson said, “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.
He however noted that the defendant has been remanded at Kirikiri correctional center pending the perfection of his bail.
Lasaki further revealed that another suspects, Abraham Bluise and Ashiru Ibrahim were caught stealing aluminum conductors belonging to EKEDC.
He said, “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,” the EKEDC’s GM Corporate Communications stated.
He further said, “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,” Lasaki said.
He therefore emphasised that 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. He also encouraged the public to assist the DisCo to protect electrical infrastructure.
