BY AWELE OGBOGU
TWO persons have been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment each for their roles in vandalizing BEDC sub-stations.
BEDC, in a statement, stated that the prison sentences sent a clear message that such crimes will be met with serious consequences, adding that efforts to curb damages to essential power infrastructure was paying off.
One of those convicted, Ismaila Adebayo, popularly called “Spark Wire” received a three-year prison sentence from the Ore 2 Magistrate Court in Ondo State. BEDC said Adebayo’s prison sentence was preceded by a thorough investigation and subsequent trial where he was found guilty of vandalizing a BEDC 500 KVA distribution sub-station.
According to a statement by the company, “the sub-station, situated at the Total roundabout in Ore town, was severely impacted when Adebayo stole an incomer cable. During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence that conclusively linked Adebayo to the crime. The police testimony and other evidence presented left no one in doubt regarding his culpability.”
BEDC regretted that “his actions, not only caused financial loss to the company but also disrupted the power supply to the local community.
In a separate proceeding, the second suspect identified as God Save, an indigene of Plateau State, was convicted and sentenced by Dr. Tope Aladejana of the Ile-Oluji magistrate court also in Ondo State. He faced charges relating to the vandalism of the BEDC Jibokun sub-station in Ile-Oluji. The court found him guilty of dismantling and stealing 100mm by 100 meters aluminum conductors from the facility.
BEDC said that the evidence against him included eyewitness accounts and forensic data, which collectively supported the charge of theft and vandalism. Following the trial, God Save was sentenced to three years imprisonment and subsequently transferred to Segede Prison in Ondo City.
In response to both rulings, Engr. Remi Faola, the Regional Head, Ondo on behalf of the management of BEDC, expressed appreciation to the judiciary for supporting efforts to combat infrastructure vandalism, stating that “we commend the courts for the decisive actions in both cases. Vandalism of our sub-stations not only leads to financial losses, but also disrupts the vital power supply that communities rely on.”
BEDC’s management also reiterated its commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to safeguard power facilities and ensure that those who commit these crimes are held accountable.
The power company concluded that “our priority remains the protection of our infrastructure and the reliable delivery of electricity to our customers. Hence, we will continue to support efforts to prevent and address vandalism.”
