Suspect, 30, Arraigned Over Alleged N15m EKEDC Cable Theft & Transformer Vandalism In Ojo

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

A 30-year-old man, Olamide Rafiu, was on Thursday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court in Ojo Magisterial District over alleged conspiracy, vandalism and theft of EKEDC property valued at N15 million.

Rafiu is facing a 3-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, willful damage to public infrastructure, and stealing. The charges were read before Magistrate L.K J. Layeni.

According to the charge sheet marked Charge No: 2026/03/1/65, the defendant and others now at large were alleged to have conspired among themselves on April 23, 2026 at about 6:00 AM at Tedi Muwo Community in Ojo to commit felony.

In the second count, Rafiu was accused of willfully and unlawfully damaging a 5000KVA transformer belonging to Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, FESTAC District, Barracks Zone. The prosecution alleged the act was done with intent to steal a 500mm single core cable on the transformer.

The third count stated that the defendant and others at large allegedly stole 1000 meters of 500mm single core cable valued at N15,000,000.00. The property was said to belong to EKEDC FESTAC District and was reported by one Okunsayo Austin.

The offences were said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 350, 280 and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

The case was presented by CSP Odumade Yetunde of Onireke Police Division.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. Layeni, granted him bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

Residents of Tedi Muwo Community have in recent months complained of frequent power outages linked to vandalism of transformers and cables. The alleged incident affected EKEDC’s ability to supply power to the area.

EKEDC has repeatedly warned that vandalism of power infrastructure remains a major challenge to stable electricity in Lagos. The company says such acts cost millions of Naira and prolonged blackouts for communities.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Police said investigation into the involvement of other suspects “now at large” is ongoing.