Three jailed for vandalising IKEDC infrastructure
Kehinde Adeleye
Ikeja Electric Plc has secured the conviction of three individuals for tampering with its power distribution equipment. This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the Head of Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric Plc, Kingsley Okotie.
The individuals were prosecuted and sentenced by magistrate courts in Lagos State for vandalising and stealing electrical assets belonging to the distribution company.
On May 5, 2025, a court sitting in Ikorodu convicted Adegbite Jamiu for vandalising a transformer serving the Igboye community. Jamiu, who was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful damage, and theft, pleaded guilty.
He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, with the court ordering that the terms run concurrently from the date of his arrest. His apprehension followed a tip-off from a vigilant community member who handed him over to the police.
Similarly, on May 7, 2025, a magistrate court in Ogba, Ikeja, sentenced Jeremiah Chukwuemeka and Joshua Udeh to one year in prison each for vandalising and stealing cables from a transformer on Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA.
The duo was arrested on August 15, 2024, and charged with conspiracy, theft, wilful damage to public infrastructure, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. They also pleaded guilty and were convicted.
Reacting to the judgements, Mr Babatunde Osadare, Chief Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Officer of Ikeja Electric, lauded the swift judicial response, expressing hope that the sentences would deter others.
“These convictions reinforce our commitment to protecting our infrastructure and ensuring reliable electricity distribution to our customers. We appreciate the efforts of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies and urge community members to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities to the authorities, and avoid taking the law into your hands,” he said.
He further assured that Ikeja Electric would continue working with security agencies and host communities to safeguard electricity infrastructure and curb vandalism, which is critical for stable power supply and economic growth.
