The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has expressed its grave concern over the increasing incidents of assault on its staff and the rampant vandalism of its equipment. In response, EKEDC has urged consumers to refrain from engaging in such acts and has promised to take legal action against those involved in equipment theft.
Two recent incidents have highlighted the severity of the issue. One incident involved Julius John Adeyemi, who physically assaulted an EKEDC staff member while the employee was carrying out his duties in the Ijesha area of Surulere, Lagos. The other incident involved Nwokocha Emmanuel, who was discovered in an unauthorized location within one of EKEDC’s distribution substations at Tincan Port, Festac, Lagos, with the intention to steal equipment, an act that is in violation of the criminal law of Lagos State.
Babatunde Lasaki, the General Manager of Corporate Communications at EKEDC, strongly condemned the criminal acts committed against their employees, labelling them as acts of sabotage against the company’s operations. Lasaki emphasized that EKEDC does not tolerate such behavior and advised customers to utilize the appropriate channels for addressing any grievances, instead of resorting to violence.
Adeyemi was subsequently charged at Magistrate Court 3 in Surulere, where he pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail in the amount of N200,000, with specific conditions to be met. Adeyemi is currently remanded at the Ikoyi facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the fulfillment of his bail requirements.
Nwokocha, on the other hand, appeared before Magistrate Court 22 in Apapa. He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him, including breaking and entering with the intent to commit theft. Nwokocha was granted bail in the sum of #50,000 and will remain in custody at the Kirikiri medium facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service until his bail conditions are fulfilled.
Lasaki also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of vandalism and theft of EKEDC’s equipment, which directly impacts the company’s ability to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to its customers. He called upon the communities and other stakeholders to actively participate in safeguarding the electrical installations in their vicinity in order to combat this menace and ensure uninterrupted power supply. GMTNews
