In a significant development highlighting the growing challenge of infrastructure vandalism in Nigeria’s power sector, two individuals are facing criminal charges for allegedly tampering with Ikeja Electric’s equipment in Lagos State’s Ikorodu area.
The case, set for trial on January 28, 2025, underscores the mounting concerns over electricity theft and equipment damage plaguing Nigeria’s leading power distributor.
Kingsley Okotie, Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric, revealed during a recent stakeholder engagement that vandalism incidents have surged dramatically throughout 2024, particularly in the Epe community.
The most notable incident occurred on September 14, 2024, when vandals targeted the company’s Advanced Bundle Cable (ABC) system in Jubilee Estate, Odogunyan, damaging crucial components of the newly implemented Intelligence Data Box technology for prepaid meters.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) subsequently apprehended Akintola Monsurat Olayinka and Obigbo Moses, who were arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, on December 11, 2024.
The defendants face two-count charges under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, including conspiracy and unlawful tampering with electrical infrastructure.
“These criminal activities are not just affecting our operations; they’re disrupting the socio-economic fabric of entire communities,” Okotie emphasised. “Legitimate customers are being deprived of reliable power supply, impacting businesses and livelihoods across our service area.”
In response to the escalating crisis, Ikeja Electric has launched a comprehensive anti-vandalism campaign, introducing multiple reporting channels including a toll-free hotline and a mobile app. The company is actively seeking collaboration with community groups, traditional institutions and security operatives to combat the menace.
Despite these challenges, Ikeja Electric has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining efficient service delivery throughout 2025. The company has established dedicated customer service lines and social media channels to ensure prompt response to service-related issues, while simultaneously strengthening its infrastructure security measures.
The case represents a crucial test of enforcement efforts against utility infrastructure vandalism, with industry observers closely watching its outcome as a potential deterrent to similar crimes across Nigeria’s power sector.