… as two alleged energy thieves in Ikorodu were charged to court

Oredola Adeola

In a bid to enhance efficient service delivery in 2025, Ikeja Electric has intensified legal actions against the surge in vandalism of its installations across Lagos State, a challenge that significantly disrupted services for customers in 2024.

Kingsley Okotie, Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric Plc, disclosed this in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Monday.

During a recent stakeholder engagement, Okotie raised concerns about the alarming rise in vandalism of the company’s assets, particularly in the Epe community and its environs.

He noted that such acts not only undermine reliable power supply but also adversely affect socio-economic activities, depriving law-abiding citizens and legitimate customers of electricity crucial for businesses and livelihoods.

Citing an incident in Ikorodu on Saturday, September 14, 2024, Okotie revealed that the company’s Ariel Bundle Cable (ABC), a critical component of the newly introduced Intelligent Data Box (IDB) technology for pre-paid meters, was vandalized.

He stated that the cable was cut, its insulation damaged, and a new service wire was illegally connected to siphon electricity into an apartment in Jubilee Estate, Odogunyan, Lagos State.

He further explained that following an investigation, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) apprehended two suspects, Akintola Monsurat Olayinka and Obigbo Moses.

“They were subsequently arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on December 11, 2024.

“The defendants faced a two-count charge for conspiracy and unlawful tampering with Ikeja Electric’s Ariel Bundle Cable in violation of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

“The case was adjourned to January, 28, 2025 for trial, ” the Ikeja DisCo’s spokesperson said.

Okotie passionately appealed to the public, community groups, traditional institutions, and security operatives to support Ikeja Electric in combating vandalism and energy theft.

He urged them to expose the hideouts of vandals within their communities and step up efforts to protect the company’s assets, warning that unchecked vandalism would continue to cause power outages and disrupt economic activities across society.

“The need to collaborate and partner with security agencies and other critical stakeholders in stemming this unfortunate tide cannot be overemphasized,” he said.

Okotie outlined the significant losses incurred by the company due to these infractions, including the cost of replacing stolen or damaged items and the revenue lost during supply interruptions.

He also encouraged the public to utilize Ikeja Electric’s independent communication channels to report vandalism and energy theft safely and confidentially, emphasizing that the safety of whistleblowers is assured.

Okotie also urged customers to take full advantage of the company’s whistleblowing platform to help tackle energy theft and protect the integrity of its infrastructure for the benefit of all.