Transformer vandals nabbed, arraigned in court
Three persons were on Thursday, 25th May, 2017, arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court, for attempting to vandalize Ikeja Electric’s 500KV Transformer at Orisunbare, Ayobo area of Lagos State.
The suspected vandals, Sunday Olatunde, Michael Eyen and Aina Adebesin were apprehended on the 23rd May, 2017, at about 1.45am, by a vigilante group of the Orisunbare Community, Ayobo; and handed over to the police.
The offenders were arraigned before a Magistrate Court, Ogba, before Mrs. A.R Orilogbo, on a three- count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony; attempt to steal and vandalise distribution transformer cables; and unlawful possession of dangerous tools, rubber gloves and charms
The accused persons were consequently remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions, just as the case was adjourned to 19th June, 2017, for mention.
Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayobo Police Station, Chief Superintendent of Police, Anyanwu Emeka Kingsley commended the efforts of the community in apprehending the suspects, saying that the support by the vigilante groups in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, was an effective collaboration to curb crime in the communities.
Prior to their arrest, about five transformers had been vandalised within the community, including, Igegu 200KVA, Ibukun (Promise land 3) 300KVA, Promise land 500KVA and Baba Abu 500KVA.
Lamenting the rise in the cases of vandalisation, Head, Corporate Communications Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue said that the company had suffered over thirty attacks on transformer Sub-stations within the last four months, particularly in Igando, Ikotun, Akowonjo in Oshodi and Ayobo, among other locations.
According to him, repair works on the vandalised assets were a huge drain on the business, not to mention a major setback for the socio-economic well-being for the local community.
Ofulue further urged residents to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspected persons tampering with electrical items in their neighborhoods to the nearest police station.
