Ikeja Electric Sounds Alarm on Rising Vandalism of Assets

Ikeja Electric has expressed concerns over the increasing rate of vandalism of its installations across the state. According to Kingsley Okotie, Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric Plc, the rise in vandalism, especially in the Epe community and its environs, is not only alarming but also deprives law-abiding citizens and legitimate customers of access to reliable power supply. This, in turn, affects the socio-economic activities of businesses and livelihoods.

Okotie highlighted a specific incidence at Ikorodu, where the company's Ariel Bundle Cable was vandalized, and a new service wire was illegally connected to steal electricity into an apartment. Following an investigation, two alleged energy thieves, Akintola Monsurat Olayinka and Obigbo Moses, were arrested and arraigned at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, and charged with conspiracy to commit an offense by unlawfully tampering with the company's property. The case has been adjourned to January 28, 2025, for trial.

Okotie appealed to the public, community groups, traditional institutions, and security operatives to assist Ikeja Electric in the fight against vandalism and energy theft. He emphasized that "the need to collaborate and partner with security agencies and other critical stakeholders in stemming this unfortunate tide cannot be overemphasized." The company is losing significant resources to these infractions, both in replacing stolen or damaged items and in revenue that would have accrued if the supply wasn't interrupted.

To combat this, Ikeja Electric is encouraging customers to use their independent channels of communication to report energy theft or vandalism. Customers can report incidents using toll-free hotlines, web portals, email, or mobile apps, all of which ensure the safety of the whistleblower. As Okotie said, "We encourage use of our independent channels of communications that enables the public to report the activities of these vandals and energy thieves, anywhere without compromising the safety of the whistleblower.