Six Convicted For Vandalising EEDC Installation

Details

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 May 2017 17:05

Published on Wednesday, 24 May 2017 16:29

Six accused persons were convicted for acts of sabotage ranging from illegal installation of Pre-Paid meter and vandalisation of various distribution substations belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

One of the convicts, Valentine Ikechukwu, who was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment on January 26, 2017 at the Federal High Court 1, Awka by Hon. Justice Gafai, was arrested at Onitsha by the Police for installing illegal and untested Pre-Paid Meters in EEDC network. He was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Awka on a 2 count charge of tampering with EEDC installations and disturbing electricity flow contrary to provision of Section 1(9) of Miscellaneous Offences Act, LFN, 2004 and Electricity Power Sector Reform Act, 2005.

Similarly, for tampering, damaging and disconnecting two intermediate armored cables belonging to EEDC, Kingsley Mgbemena and Tochukwu Asomba were sentenced to three years imprisonment respectively on January 25, 2017 by Hon. Justice Gafai of the Federal High Court 1, Awka.

Also convicted was Mr. Adamu Haruna, who was sentenced to a one year jail term for unlawful possession of High Tension aluminium cable belonging to EEDC on December 1, 2016 by Magistrate Mrs. M.C. Nneji at Magistrate Court, Enugu-North, Enugu.

On November 17, 2016 at the Federal High Court, Umuahia, Abia State, Emeka Stanley and Chinedu Elekwachi were sentenced to three years imprisonment respectively for vandalising some installations belonging to EEDC at Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State.

The Management of EEDC has frowned at the increasing activities of these individuals who have been frustrating its efforts to provide quality service to its customers; but have expressed their commitment not to relent in the fight against vandals.

In 2016, EEDC spent over N60 million to replace vandalised equipment at the various distribution substations and other installations. This has resulted in significant financial loss to the company.

Perpetrators of these nefarious acts are therefore advised to desist and customers are encouraged to join hands with EEDC to protect these installations that are provided to serve them.

EEDC also commends the continued effort and support of vigilante groups and security agencies such as the Civil Defence Corps, the Army and the Nigerian Police towards ensuring that this ugly menace is addressed and perpetrators brought to book.