By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In a renewed crackdown on electricity infrastructure sabotage, Ikeja Electric Plc has secured the conviction of three individuals by Lagos Magistrate Courts for vandalism and theft of critical power assets within its network.
The convicted individuals—Adegbite Jamiu, Jeremiah Chukwuemeka, and Joshua Udeh—were found guilty in separate rulings for offences that disrupted electricity distribution and posed risks to public safety.
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Adegbite Jamiu was sentenced to six months in prison by a Magistrate Court in Ikorodu on May 5, 2025. He was convicted on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful damage, and theft after vandalising a transformer supplying electricity to the Igboye community. His arrest followed a tip-off from a community resident who alerted police. The court ruled that his sentence be served concurrently, starting from the date of his apprehension.
In a related case, the Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Ikeja, on May 7, 2025, sentenced Jeremiah Chukwuemeka and Joshua Udeh to one year each in prison. The duo was convicted for stealing power cables from a transformer located on Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA. The pair, arrested on August 15, 2024, faced charges of conspiracy, willful damage, theft, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. Both pleaded guilty.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Babatunde Osadare, Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Officer at Ikeja Electric, hailed the convictions as a strong deterrent and a testament to the company’s unwavering stance against vandalism.
“These convictions reinforce our determination to protect our network assets and deliver uninterrupted electricity to our customers,” Osadare said. “We commend the judiciary, the police, and the proactive community members who made these outcomes possible.”
He called on residents across the Ikeja Electric network to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity, noting that vandalism remains a major obstacle to national development.
The utility firm reiterated its ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies and local communities to curb infrastructure vandalism. It also disclosed that it continues to invest in protective measures and community sensitisation to safeguard its electricity distribution assets.