Thur, Aug 27, 2026
Ikeja Electric has achieved several successful prosecutions against individuals engaged in vandalizing and stealing its electrical infrastructure. This underscores its dedication to safeguarding vital power assets and maintaining a dependable electricity supply throughout its network.
Between January and May 2026, various Magistrate Courts in Lagos and Ogun States issued rulings that led to custodial sentences between three months and two years. These sentences were for offenses such as vandalism, theft of electricity installations, criminal damage, conspiracy to steal, and similar crimes.
On 28 January 2026, the Ogun State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Sagamu sentenced Abiodun Edidi to three months imprisonment for vandalizing and stealing electricity coils from High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) installations in Odogunyan, Ikorodu. Subsequently, on 10 February 2026, the Lagos State Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Iba sentenced Bashiru Shefiu and Mustapha Abdullahi to two years imprisonment each after they were apprehended while vandalizing the Irepolawa 500KVA distribution transformer located at Igando, Lagos.
This was followed by the conviction of Aliyu Hassan, who was sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Lagos State Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Ogba on 16 March 2026 for vandalizing and stealing electricity cables from one of the company’s distribution transformers. Most recently, on 11 May 2026, the Ogun State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Sagamu sentenced Segun Apalowo to six months imprisonment for vandalizing and stealing electricity components, including meter voltage cables, from two HVDS installations in Odogunyan, Ikorodu. In both Ogun State cases, the suspects were apprehended through the vigilance and collaboration of local Community Development Associations before being handed over to the police.
Speaking on the judgments, Ikeja Electric’s Chief Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Officer, Babatunde Osadare, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to combating vandalism and protecting critical electricity infrastructure.
“These judgments reinforce our resolve to pursue every case of vandalism and electricity infrastructure theft to its logical conclusion. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure that offenders are held accountable in accordance with the law. Vandalism not only disrupts electricity supply but also undermines investments in the power sector and poses serious safety risks to the public,” he said.
Osadare commended members of the affected communities whose vigilance and timely intervention led to the arrest of some of the offenders, noting that community partnership remains critical to protecting electricity infrastructure.
“We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around electricity installations to security agencies or Ikeja Electric. Every report contributes to safeguarding our network, improving service reliability, and protecting lives and property. We also urge residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead allow law enforcement agencies to handle suspected offenders through the appropriate legal process,” he added.
About Ikeja Electric Plc:
Ikeja Electric Plc is Nigeria’s largest power distribution company, the preferred energy provider wherever energy is consumed.
The company is dedicated to delivering high-quality service to its customers while consistently upholding the highest safety standards.
For customer service and general inquiries, please contact Ikeja Electric through the following options: – Phone Lines: 0201-7000-250, 0201-227-2940 – Emergency Number for Vandalism: 07074703623 – Whistleblowing Lines: 0800-847-6337; expressyourself@ikejaelectric.com.
Web Portal: https://www.ikejaelectric.com – Email: customercare@ikejaelectric.com – Social Media: Follow us on Instagram and X at IkejaElectric; Facebook and LinkedIn at Ikeja Electric for real-time updates.
