Yemisi Izuora
Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards vandalism, illegal connections, and energy theft, as the utility company secures two convictions and arraigns two additional suspects in its continued legal offensive across Lagos and Ogun States.
The Company’s General Manager, Corporate Communications and Strategy, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, EKEDC confirmed that several legal proceedings initiated in 2024 and early 2025 have now led to significant judicial outcomes. The company emphasized that it will continue to pursue offenders and ensure they are brought to justice under the full extent of the law.
On March 13, 2025, Hon. A.O. Alagbon of the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court Lagos, delivered judgment in favour of EKEDC, sentencing Mr. Christopher Osayi 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.
Following the conviction, 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.
The EKEDC reiterates its commitment to protecting critical assets and ensuring uninterrupted service to the community.
In a another ruling by Hon. Alao Maimuna at the Magistrates’ Court in Ajah, former security guard David Ndueso 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.
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.
Concerning ongoing prosecutions, he also announced the arraignment of two additional suspects, Mr. Babatunde Opeyemi and Mr. Idowu Raji, 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.
“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.
The EKEDC has called 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 who 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.”
The 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.