In a firm stance against the destruction of critical assets, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) has announced a series of successful prosecutions leading to prison sentences for offenders caught vandalising equipment in the Ikoyi area of Lagos.
Court Convictions Send Strong Message
The company, in a statement released on Tuesday, reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards acts of vandalism. This follows recent court rulings that have seen individuals imprisoned for tampering with electricity infrastructure. According to Babatunde Lasaki, Eko DisCo's General Manager for Corporate Communication, these legal actions are a crucial part of a broader strategy to protect assets and enhance power supply reliability for customers.
Vandalism not only causes prolonged power outages for homes and businesses but also creates serious safety hazards for both the public and utility workers, the company emphasized.
Details of the Prosecuted Cases
The company provided specifics on four separate convictions:
Mr Osakwa Omoreige was arrested on 24 September 2025 on Bourdillon Street, Ikoyi, for allegedly vandalising a 200kVA pole-mounted transformer. He was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi before Honourable Justice Allegoa on 12 December 2025. After pleading guilty to charges of unlawful tampering and damage, he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.
In a related incident, Lawrence Simon was arrested on 22 September 2025 on Glover Road, Ikoyi, for vandalising electricity cables. He was tried at the Lagos State Magistrates' Court in Igbosere, sitting at Ebutemeta. Following a guilty plea, he was sentenced on 13 November 2025 to one year in prison.
Furthermore, Prince Okorie and Daniel Kalu were apprehended on 5 September 2025 on Gerald Road, Ikoyi, near the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, while vandalising a transformer. Arraigned on 10 September 2025 at the Igbosere Magistrates' Court, Tinubu, they faced charges of stealing, conspiracy, and malicious damage. Both pleaded guilty to all counts. On 8 October 2025, the court sentenced each defendant to one year's imprisonment on each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Broader Impact and Call for Public Vigilance
Eko DisCo highlighted that such criminal acts have far-reaching consequences beyond immediate repair costs. Damage to transformers and cables leads to extended blackouts, places undue strain on the network, and increases operational expenses—costs that can ultimately affect consumers.
Mr Lasaki stated that the utility will maintain its close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure offenders face the full wrath of the law. Protecting electricity infrastructure is fundamental to the company's mission of delivering stable and safe power to its customers, he stressed.
The company ended its statement with an appeal to the public, urging residents to become active partners in safeguarding community assets. It encouraged people to report any suspicious activities around electricity installations through its designated whistle-blowing platforms, noting that public cooperation is vital to prevent vandalism and ensure communities benefit from ongoing investments in the power sector.
