Ikeja Electric raises alarm over surge in electricity infrastructure vandalism
By Seun Ibiyemi
Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), Nigeria’s leading electricity distribution company, has raised the alarm over the rising incidence of vandalism targeting its infrastructure.
The company also announced the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved in a recent act of sabotage, underscoring the increasing threat to its operations and service delivery.
In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie, Ikeja Electric highlighted these challenges during a recent stakeholder engagement.
“Ikeja Electric restates its commitment to effective and efficient service delivery in the New Year 2025, amidst concerns about the growing rate of vandalism affecting its installations across the state in 2024, which resulted in service disruptions for some of our valued customers,” the statement read.
Okotie expressed concern that the rising acts of vandalism, particularly in the Epe community and surrounding areas, were undermining efforts to provide a reliable power supply.
The company noted that legitimate customers and law-abiding citizens were being deprived of electricity due to these criminal activities.
Okotie referred to an incident that took place on Saturday, 14th September 2024, in Ikorodu, where the company’s Ariel Bundle Cable (ABC), an integral part of the newly introduced Intelligence Data Box (IDB) technology solution for pre-paid meters, was vandalised. The cable was cut, its insulation damaged, and a new service wire was illegally connected to steal electricity into an apartment in Jubilee Estate, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Following a thorough investigation, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested Akintola Monsurat Olayinka and Obigbo Moses, the two suspects, who were later arraigned at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on 11th December 2024. They were charged with a two-count offence of conspiracy to commit a crime by unlawfully tampering with and damaging an Ariel Bundle Cable, property of Ikeja Electric Plc, in order to steal energy, as well as unlawfully tampering, damaging, and meddling with the cable. The charges fall under Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and are punishable under Section 1(10) of the same Act. The case has been adjourned to 28th January 2025 for trial.
Okotie appealed to the public, community leaders, traditional institutions, and security agencies to join in the fight against vandalism and energy theft.
“These illegal activities not only disrupt the power supply but also drain resources needed to repair damaged infrastructure and recover lost revenue,” he said. “The need for collaboration cannot be overstated. We lose substantial resources replacing stolen and damaged equipment, not to mention the revenue losses due to service interruptions.”
He further appealed to all stakeholders to work together to protect the company’s assets and report criminal acts.
Ikeja Electric has established independent communication channels to allow the public to report vandalism and energy theft anonymously. Okotie encouraged customers to use these platforms to safeguard their communities and the company’s infrastructure.
The company also reiterated its commitment to working closely with security agencies and community stakeholders in 2025 to strengthen its fight against vandalism. Through increased public engagement and the use of technology, Ikeja Electric aims to ensure a more reliable power supply for all its customers.
