Ikeja Electric has raised concerns over the rising incidents of vandalism across its network, warning that the damage to its infrastructure is severely affecting its ability to provide reliable electricity to consumers.
In a statement released on Monday, the electricity distribution company highlighted the persistent challenge posed by vandalism and energy theft, which it described as significant threats to its operations.
The company disclosed that it has initiated legal proceedings against two individuals accused of energy theft, in a bid to deter others from engaging in such activities.
The vandalisation of critical assets, according to Ikeja Electric, has resulted in widespread service disruptions, leaving numerous customers without power.
Speaking during a recent stakeholder engagement, Kingsley Okotie, the head of corporate communications, expressed deep concerns over the escalating vandalism in areas such as Epe and its environs.
“These activities not only disrupt electricity supply but also impede socio-economic activities, leaving businesses and law-abiding citizens in hardship,” Okotie lamented.
He recounted a specific incident in Ikorodu, Lagos, where the company’s Ariel Bundle Cable (ABC)—an essential component of its newly introduced Intelligent Data Box technology for prepaid meters, was vandalised.
Explaining the incident, he said, “The cable was cut, the insulation damaged, and a new service wire was illegally connected to siphon electricity into an apartment in Jubilee Estate, Odogunyan.”
Read also: Ikeja Electric announces 34 additional Band A electricity customers
Following an investigation, two suspects, Akintola Olayinka and Obigbo Moses, were apprehended by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and arraigned at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on December 11, 2024.
“The defendants were charged with conspiracy and unlawful tampering with Ikeja Electric’s assets, contrary to Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and punishable under Section 1(10) of the same Act,” Okotie revealed.
The trial has been adjourned to January 28, 2025.
Okotie called on the public, community leaders, traditional institutions, and security agencies to join forces with Ikeja Electric to tackle vandalism and energy theft.
He emphasised the enormous economic and operational toll these crimes impose, stating that the company loses significant resources in replacing stolen or damaged assets and addressing service disruptions caused by these infractions.
“The unchecked activities of vandals result in frequent outages and disruptions to economic activities. It is imperative that we work together with security agencies and other critical stakeholders to curb this menace,” he urged.
He further encouraged community members to report vandals’ hideouts and intensify efforts to protect the company’s infrastructure, stressing that such collaboration is crucial for ensuring reliable power supply and sustaining economic growth.