Two bag 3 years, seven others arraign for vandalisation
Fate finally dealt two vandals a heavy blow last Thursday, June 28, 2018 following their sentence by a Chief Magistrate Court of Anambra East Magisterial District, at Otuocha, Anambra State for vandalising the property of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
Chief Magistrate Onunkwo Esquire sentenced the duo of Amaechi Joe and Ejike Chigozie to three years imprisonment each.
They were arraigned by the Police for vandalising the Ring Main Unit (RMU) handle of an Injection Substation belonging to EEDC in Aguleri, Anambra State.
The vandals, who were tried on a two count charge of conspiracy and stealing, offences punishable under section 495(a) and 353(12) of Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol. II Revised Law of Anambra State 1991 as amended, were subsequently moved to Onitsha Prison, where they are expected to serve their term.
The electricity company said in a statement signed by its Head, Corporate Communications, Chukwuemeka Ezeh, “Just recently, three suspected vandals identified as David Michael Ifeanyi, Sunday Nweke and Celestine Nweke, were arrested by the officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, for attacking EEDC property.
“The suspects were arraigned at the Federal High Court Awka on Thursday, June 28, 2018, where they pleaded not guilty to the two count charge slammed on them. The presiding High Court Judge however ordered that they be remanded at Awka Prison, while the matter was adjourned to 10th October, 2018.
In a related development, four vandals identified as, Azubuike Ezebuokwu, Onye Ogunna Frankling, Chigozie Ekweme and Emezu Emeh, were arrested by some members vigilance group in Mgbidi, Imo State, for vandalizing the Commissioner Eziani Community transformer in Mgbidi, property of EEDC.
They were subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court Owerri on 20th June 2018 where they pleaded not guilty to the two count charge. They were granted bail, but remanded at the Federal Prison Owerri until their bail conditions are met. Meanwhile, the case was adjourned to 17th October, 2018 for further hearing.
According to Ezeh, the activities of these vandals impacts negatively on the operations and the quality of service it render to its esteemed customers, as they end up depriving customers the opportunity of enjoying the service.
“As a result, we keep committing financial resources to restore vandalised equipment; funds that ordinarily would have been channeled to other areas of our operations that will benefit our customers.
“We are therefore not relenting in our effort in putting a stop to this menace; while continuing to count on the support of our customers in ensuring that these installations within their neighbourhood are protected. Members of the public are therefore enjoined to report any suspicious activity around the transformers serving them to their respective Feeder Manager or to the security operatives,” he said.
