Legal proceedings initiated by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) have led to conviction of two culprits and arraignment of another two suspects on cases of vandalism, illegal connections, and energy theft.

The company stated in a media release that the proceedings which were conducted at different courts are part of its renewed legal offensive against vandalism and energy theft in its operated network.

Ad >>>

General Manager in charge of Corporate Communications and Strategy, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, declared that EKEDC now has zero-tolerance policy towards illegal connections, adding that the company has secured two convictions and two arraignments against perpetrators.

He confirmed that several legal proceedings initiated in 2024 and early 2025 are yielding significant judicial outcomes, vowing that the company would continue to pursue offenders and ensure they are brought to justice under the full extent of the law.

In providing details, he stated that Hon. A.O. Alagbon of the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos delivered one of the judgments in favour of EKEDC, sentencing a culprit to two months in prison for the wilful destruction of electrical infrastructure in Lekki Phase 1.

The ruling, based on a single count charge, underscores EKEDC’s firm stance on safeguarding essential utilities against sabotage. 

In another ruling by Hon. Alao Maimuna at the Magistrates’ Court in Ajah, a former security guard of the company was also sentenced to three months in prison after being caught in an attempt to steal a 600-meter cable from the company’s storage facility on January 19, 2025.

Concerning ongoing prosecutions, he also announced the arraignment of two additional suspects on charges related to the vandalism of a 100kVA transformer located along Herbert Macaulay Way in the Yaba area of Lagos.

The case, currently before Hon. Shitta at the Magistrates’ Court, Yaba, has been adjourned to June 25, 2025.

The conviction, based on two counts of theft-related charges, underscores EKEDC’s unwavering commitment to stringent security protocols and its zero-tolerance stance on staff misconduct, Mr Lasaki stated.

Mr. Lasaki emphasised that acts of vandalism and theft targeting electrical infrastructure constitute economic sabotage and directly threaten the stability of power supply in the region.

He restated EKEDC’s commitment to protecting critical assets and ensuring uninterrupted service to the community.

“These acts of vandalism not only compromise our equipment but also significantly hinder our ability to provide stable and uninterrupted electricity to our customers,” said Mr. Lasaki.

“EKEDC is calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around power installations, including illegal meter bypasses and attempted theft of cables or transformers, using the appropriate whistle-blower channels.

“We appreciate the continuous cooperation of our customers, community leaders, and security agencies that have played a vital role in protecting critical power infrastructure,” Mr. Lasaki added.

“Their involvement is critical in our mission to provide a safe, reliable, and constant power supply towards empowering the quality of lives,” he explained.

According to him, EKEDC continues to invest in technology, infrastructure, and community engagement to combat energy theft and vandalism across its network. The company reiterated that those found culpable will face full legal consequences without exception.