The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards the vandalism of electricity infrastructure following a series of court convictions that led to prison sentences for offenders in Ikoyi, Lagos.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the company said the successful prosecutions form part of a broader strategy to protect critical assets and improve the reliability of power supply within its franchise area. Eko DisCo added that vandalism not only disrupts electricity services but also poses serious safety risks to residents and utility workers.

According to the company’s General Manager for Corporate Communication, Babatunde Lasaki, sustained legal action against offenders is essential to deterring damage to electricity installations and safeguarding investments in network upgrades.

One of the cases involved Mr Osakwa Omoreige, who was arrested on 24 September 2025 on Bourdillon Street, Ikoyi, while allegedly vandalising a 200kVA pole-mounted transformer belonging to the company. Following investigations, he was arraigned on 12 December 2025 at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi before Honourable Justice Allegoa.

Court records show that Mr Omoreige was charged with unlawful tampering with and damage to electricity equipment. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

In a separate case, Lawrence Simon was arrested on 22 September 2025 on Glover Road, Ikoyi, while vandalising electricity cables. He was arraigned four days later at the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Igbosere, sitting at Ebutemeta. After pleading guilty, he was sentenced on 13 November 2025 to one year in prison.

Two other defendants, Prince Okorie and Daniel Kalu, were arrested on 5 September 2025 on Gerald Road, Ikoyi, near the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, while vandalising a transformer. They were arraigned on 10 September 2025 at the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Tinubu, Lagos, on charges of stealing, conspiracy and malicious damage.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to all counts. On 8 October 2025, the court sentenced each to one year’s imprisonment on each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Eko DisCo said the incidents highlight the wider impact of vandalism on electricity distribution, noting that damage to transformers and cables often leads to prolonged outages for homes and businesses. The company added that such acts also place additional strain on the power network and increase operational costs, which can ultimately affect consumers.

Mr Lasaki said the utility would continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure offenders are prosecuted in line with existing laws. He stressed that protecting electricity infrastructure is central to the company’s efforts to deliver stable and safe power to customers.

The company also appealed to residents to assist by reporting suspicious activity around electricity installations through its whistle-blowing platforms. Eko DisCo said public cooperation remains vital in preventing vandalism and ensuring that communities benefit from ongoing investments in power infrastructure.