Imo magistrate Court has sentenced a 24-year-old Idris Ibrahiim to two (2) years imprisonment for vandalizing a distribution substation belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC), which is situated at Imo Housing, World Bank Estate, Owerri and stealing electrical armoured cable.
An offence punishable under section 390(9) of the criminal code CAP ‘C38’, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as applicable in Imo State.
His Worship, Ojinnaka C. of Owerri Magisterial District holden at Owerri, the State capital, gave the sentence on Friday.
Idris, who pleaded guilty to the charge was apprehended on 16th March, 2022 by the residents of Imo Housing, World Bank Estate and subsequently handed over to the New Owerri Police Station, along with the vandalized armoured cable.
Reacting to the favourable Court Ruling, the Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh further stated that the convict is remanded at the Owerri Correctional Centre, Imo State, where he will be serving his prison term, while the court ordered that the recovered vandalized items be handed over to EEDC.
According to Ezeh, “It will also be recalled that just last month, a 22-year-old-man identified as Ifeanyi Ugwu was sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment by Hon. Justice H.A. Nganjiwa, at the Federal High Court 1, Awka, Anambra State, for vandalizing Aniawonwa 300KVA Transformer located at Eziama Village, Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.”
Ezeh commended the effort of the residents who apprehended the vandal, stating that “their action goes to show that all the appeal made by EEDC for customer involvement in protecting electrical installations within their neighbourhood is not falling on deaf ears, and yielding the desired result.”
Ezeh further stated that the activities of vandals has been a very big challenge to the company, and he lamented that it is now on the rise as no day passes by without reports of vandalised installation.
“This situation continues to subject our customers to untold hardship and inconveniences, keeping them out of supply for a long time till the vandalized transformer is repaired and supply restored”.
“As a result of activities of vandals, the company has consistently committed scarce resources to replacement of vandalized equipment, a situation he described as no longer sustainable.
“While commending the Judiciary for this judgement, it is hoped that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to other individuals engaging in such criminal acts”.
Ezeh reiterated the importance of customers being more vigilant, especially now that the energy sector is experiencing a drop in quantum of power generated, a situation that has resulted in load shedding and reduction in availability.
“We are calling on customers to join hands with us to ensure that the electricity installations within their vicinity are not attacked by vandals”.
