Vandals have wreaked havoc on some critical assets of Eko Electricity Company(EKEDC), thus, impacting on the DisCos ability to sustain investment and improve service delivery.
The company has condemned in the strongest terms, such acts of vandalism and assault carried out against its dedicated staff members.
The EKEDC, in a statement, announced that seven individuals have been arraigned in court for their involvement in these heinous crimes.
General manager, Corporate Communications, Babatunde Lasaki of the DisCo, in the statement said, Ayomide Oyebanjo, on the 30th of November 2022, was arraigned for assault of Mr. Sanmi Matthew, a driver of the Ikate zonal office.
The said defendant used bottles to inflict multiple injuries on the driver and was charged to Court on a 6-count charge bordering on conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, demanding money with menace, belonging to unlawful society, obstruction of duty and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
He pleaded guilty to the count charge for assault occasioning harm and pleaded not guilty to the other charges and was convicted for assault occasioning body harm and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment without option of fine.
Also, Mr. Chima Kingsley and Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu were apprehended on the 30th of December 2022 at No. 389 Agege Motor Road under Mushin Business District vandalizing the 750KVA substation situated at that location.
“On the 10th of January 2023, the suspects were arraigned on a 2-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit a felony and stealing. They both pleaded not guilty and were granted bail in the sum of N100,000 (One hundred thousand naira only) with two (2) sureties each.” said Lasaki.
Also, on the 2nd of February 2023, Mr. Nurudeen Moshood and Mr. Aweda Mustapha were arraigned at the Magistrate Court 2, Surulere, Lagos on a 5-count charge of conspiracy, assault, and damage to property belonging to staff of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only) and one surety each.
Lasaki, expressed his dismay at the incidents, adding, “we strongly condemn the acts of vandalism and assault against our staff members. These incidents not only disrupt our operations but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of our employees who provide reliable electricity services to our esteemed customers.”
Lasaki added that, “EKEDC remains committed to the safety and security of our employees and the provision of uninterrupted electricity services to our customers. We call on the public to join us in condemning these acts and reporting any suspicious activities related to our infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.
“EKEDC will continue to prioritize the safety of its staff and the reliable supply of electricity to its customers. The company urges the public to assist in protecting electricity infrastructure and fostering a culture of accountability and respect.”
