Man Sentenced 6 Months for Vandalism, Attempted Theft of EKEDC Equipment
-By Yange Ikyaa
The Magistrate court of Igbosere in Lagos State has sentenced 28-year-old Timothy Jacob to 6 months imprisonment on a three-count charge of conspiracy, willful and unlawful damage and attempted theft of armored cables belonging to Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Tuesday April 16, 2019.
According to a statement released by Eko Electricity Distribution Company, the vandal was apprehended by security guards of Lekki Phase 1 while cutting an armored cable at 21 Hopunu Wusu street, Lekki Phase 1 on Sunday, 14thApril 2019. He was then handed over to the men of Nigeria Police Force of Mobalaji Johnson Police post in Lekki, Lagos for further interrogation and investigation.
The statement, which was signed by the General Manager, Corporate Communications Department of EKEDC, Godwin Idemudia, said Jacob confessed to committing the crimes he was accused of and named one Shedrach as his partner. “A man buys the cables from us” the vandal also revealed.
A manhunt is still ongoing for the said accomplices who are still at large.
The spokesperson of EKEDC mentioned that the vandal pleaded guilty to the three count charge before the court and the magistrate, Mrs T.B Are, sentenced him to 6 months imprisonment with hard labour for counts 1 and 2 respectively, as well as 3 months imprisonment for count 3, all to run concurrently without the option of fine or community service.
EKEDC spokesperson reiterated the zero tolerance of the company for any form of vandalism, tampering and theft of EKEDC equipment, and went further to state that all perpetrators of such acts will be brought to book.
He extolled the efforts of the security men and the Nigeria police Force for sweeping into action in good time to apprehend the vandal.
Idemudia advised the general public to stay alert, aware and report suspected acts that could damage electricity installations in their communities as it will help in curbing these illicit acts.
He stated that EKEDC is out to serve all customers better and provide safe and stable electricity.
