One Uchechukwu Maduakor, a native of Ogwu Amanasa Village, Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
He was jailed by Hon, without any chance of fine. Justice Ibrahim B. Gafai of the Federal High Court 1 Awka, Anambra State for the vandalization of electrical equipment belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC).
Maduakor was charged with unlawfully damaging wires used for converting electricity by cutting off high tension cables at Umuchu Anambra State, an offense contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act, Cap M17, Vol. 9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
This was confirmed on Monday to us by the Head of Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.
According to Ezeh, Maduakor was arraigned in court on 26th September 2017, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge, before the trial commenced, leading to his conviction.
While hailing the judgement, Ezeh identified vandalism as a major challenge negatively impacting on the EEDC operations.
“This takes various forms, which include: draining of transformer oil, removal of the feeder pillar unit, intermediate or up-riser cables, transformer winding coil or total removal of the transformer, removal of spans of aluminum conductors and other line fittings such as Port Insulators and Cross-Arms.
“The organization has spent millions of Naira on monthly basis replacing and repairing vandalized facilities, coupled with the revenue loss incurred by the business as a result of this challenge.
“However, to forestall this trend, EEDC has been in constant touch with critical stakeholders which include state security agencies and local Vigilante Groups, soliciting their continued support in ensuring that these electrical installations in their vicinity are not vandalized,” he said.
He commended the efforts of the various communities and their youths, government security agencies and local vigilante groups in the fight against vandalism, calling on the company’s customers and the general public to join in this fight towards the eradication of the menace.
“There is no way we can sustain our operations and deliver quality and improved service to our customers if this situation is not brought under control.
“Customers are, therefore, advised to be vigilant and not allow these installations vandalized as they will be inconvenienced once this is allowed to happen. They are encouraged to make use of the company’s whistle blowing lines (084 700 110; 0814 602 6678) to report any suspicious attempt, report to the EEDC office serving them or to the nearest police station,” he added.
The EEDC spokesperson also recounted that sometime in May, 2019, the organization secured judgement when the duo of Obasi Nkama Ukpai and Orji Okporie were sentenced to one year, six months imprisonment, respectively, by Hon. Justice I.P Chima of High Court 2 Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for conspiring to steal cables belonging to the EEDC.
“However, EDC does not relinquish its commitment to ensure that apprehended vandals are tried in accordance with the law and faced with the consequences of their actions.” It is expected that this will serve as a deterrent for many others out there to engage in such an act, “Ezeh said.
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