In a decisive move against electricity infrastructure vandalism, the High Court in Afikpo Judicial Division, Ebonyi State, has sentenced four men to prison for damaging facilities belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

Justice Nicholas Nwode, presiding over the case, handed down the verdict on Wednesday, convicting Ikechukwu Esseh, Ikedinachi Uche, Ukpai Godwin, and Uchenna Kalu.

The four men were arrested on November 28, 2023, after they attacked and vandalised a 7.5 MVA Injection Substation located on Education Board Road, Afikpo. The substation is a key facility for distributing electricity in the area.

They faced a three-count charge of conspiracy, vandalism, and stealing. After reviewing the evidence presented, the court found them guilty on all counts. Each man received five years for conspiracy, seven years for vandalism, and another five years for stealing. However, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning each convict will serve seven years in prison. There was no option of a fine.

Reacting to the ruling, EEDC’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, applauded the judgment, describing it as a strong warning to others who might consider tampering with electricity facilities.

“We commend the judiciary for the judgment and hope this will serve as a deterrent to others out there who may engage in such criminal acts,” Ezeh stated.

The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of vandalising power infrastructure—a crime that disrupts electricity supply and affects entire communities.