Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), Nigeria’s electricity distribution company, has expressed concern over the rising vandalism of its infrastructure, which disrupts power supply and affects service delivery.
In a statement by Head of Corporate Communications Kingsley Okotie, IE revealed that the sabotage, particularly in Epe and Ikorodu, deprived law-abiding citizens of electricity. Okotie noted that a key incident occurred in September 2024 when an Ariel Bundle Cable (ABC) was vandalized in Jubilee Estate, Ikorodu, causing damage to prepaid meter technology and illegal power diversion.
Following investigations, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested two suspects, Akintola Monsurat Olayinka and Obigbo Moses, who were charged under the Miscellaneous Offences Act. Their trial is set for January 2025.
Okotie called for collaboration with community leaders, security agencies, and the public to combat energy theft and vandalism. He emphasised that these crimes drain resources and hinder efforts to ensure reliable power. Ikeja Electric has established anonymous reporting channels and plans to intensify its fight against vandalism through public engagement and technological advancements in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) recently mandated Ikeja Electric to establish subsidiaries for intrastate electricity distribution, in line with the Electricity Act 2023 and Lagos State’s regulatory autonomy.
