Hon. Justice Ibrahim B. Gafai of Federal High Court 1 Awka, Anambra state has sentenced a man identified as Uchechuwku Maduakor to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine for vandalising electricity installation belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC) in Anambra State.
The native of Ogwu Amanasa Village was charged with unlawfully damaging wires used for converting electricity by cutting off high tension cables at Umuchu Anambra state; an offence contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act, Cap M17, Vol. 9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The Head of Communications of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Emeka Ezeh disclosed this new development to reporters in Awka on Tuesday.
The suspect was arraigned in court on 26th September, 2017 where he pleaded innocence to the charges before the trial commenced as disclosed by Emeka Ezeh
While reacting on the incident, EEDC commended the efforts of the various communities and their youths, government security agencies and local vigilante groups in the fight against vandalism, calling on her customers and the general public to join in this fight towards the eradication of the menace.
EEDC’s spokesperson also recounted that sometime in May 2019, the organisation secured judgement when the duo of Obasi Nkama Ukpai and Orji Okporie were sentenced to one year, six months imprisonment by Hon. Justice I.P Chima of High Court 2 Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for conspiring to steal cables belonging to EEDC.
EEDC is however not relenting in its commitment to ensuring that apprehended vandals are tried in accordance with the law and made to face the consequences of their actions. “It is expected that this will serve as a deterrent to many others out there, engaging in such act,” Ezeh said.