Court sentences 3 youths for vandalizing EEDC properties

www.odogwublog.com reports that a Federal High Court sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital has convicted and sentenced three (3) youths to three years imprisonment each over conspiracy, unlawful damage and stealing of electricity cables belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

The vandals, Onyedikachi Nwosu (18), Chinonso Ezenwanne (18) and Chizoba Ezedalu (22), committed the act in August, 2017, which the court presided over by Justice I.B Garfai of the Federal High Court 1 Awka, ruled as an act contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M.17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federation 2004.

Reacting to the development, Mr Emeka Ezeh, the Head Communications, EEDC, commended judiciary for speedy trial of the vandals, which he said would serve as deterrent to others indulging in same act of sabotage negatively affecting the quality of service they render to their customers.

According to Ezeh, the conviction came few weeks after the duo of Amaechi Joe and Ejike Chigozie were sentenced to three years imprisonment by Chief Magistrate Onunkwo Esquire at the Chief Magistrate Court of Anambra East Magisterial District, Otuocha, Anambra State for vandalising the Ring Main Unit (RMU) handle of an Injection Substation belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in Aguleri, Anambra State.

“As a business, we have committed millions of Naira in restoring vandalised transformers and this is not a sustainable practice. We therefore continue to appeal to our customers to join hands in protecting these installations serving them.

“We are equally not relenting in our engagement with communities and critical stakeholders on the need to be vigilant and join hands with EEDC in protecting these installation in their neighbourhood; and to report any suspicious activity to their respective Feeder Manager or to the security operatives,” the image marker added.

He equally commended security agencies such as the vigilante groups, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Army and the Nigerian Police on their various efforts to securing EEDC properties and in bringing hoodlums to book.