From: Lukman  Olabiyi

Three persons have been docked before the Lagos State Magistrate Court, Ogbadu for allegedly tampering with Ikeja Electric installations.

The defendants are, Adegoke Azeez, 30, TijaniRasaq, 54, and Goodnews Sunday, 26, they were arraigned on a three-count charge by the police before the court

According to the prosecution, the three men were apprehended in the late hours of December 21, at Abiola Street, Oke-Ira, Ogba, while reconnecting customers of Ikeja Electric who had been disconnected following outstanding bills owed the Disco.

The charge stated that defendants attempt to commit felony by tampering with Ikeja Electric installations, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 411 and 168 of the Criminal Law, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

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However, the defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.

After listening to the submissions of both the prosecution and the defendants’ counsel, the Magistrate granted bail to the trio in sum of N50,000, with two sureties in like sum, besides, the sureties must provide a tax clearance and verifiable house addresses.

In his reaction, Head Corporate Communications Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue said that the company had resolved to confront fraudulent and unethical practices in its network. He bemoaned the rising cases of vandalism in some communities, cautioning customers against engaging unauthorized technicians who reconnect owing customers, or tamper with IE’s meters and other installations. He pointed out that illegal activities on IE’s network could cause overload on transformers, increasing risk of damage to assets and even customer appliances.

“It is a crime to tamper with electrical assets and it is also a dangerous activity that could lead to loss of life and property when unqualified technicians meddle with the connections just for some paltry financial gain”, Ofulue said.