The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arraigned four individuals—Moses Timothy, Joefrey Lawrence, Augustine Abila, and Caleb Kamiru—before a Federal High Court in Enugu on a two-count charge of alleged vandalization of underground armored cables belonging to the Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency.
According to the NSCDC, the defendants committed the offense on July 1, 2024, causing significant disruptions to water and electricity services in the state.
The charge sheet, marked FHC/EN/CR/140/2024, reads in part: “That you, Moses Timothy, Joefrey Lawrence, Augustine Abila, Caleb Kamiru, and others at large, on or about the 1st day of July 2024, at Kingsway/Aria Road, GRA, Enugu North LGA in Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this Court, conspired to willfully remove underground armored cables belonging to the Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency without appropriate authority, thereby committing an offense contrary to Section 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M17 L.F.N 2004, and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”
Count two of the charge states that the accused also violated the provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M17 L.F.N 2004, making them liable to punishment under the same section.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded in a correctional facility. Presiding Judge, Justice F.O. Ogunbanjo, adjourned the case to September 24th, 25th, and 26th for hearing.
Speaking to journalists after the court proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Amaka Ekoh, emphasized the determination of the NSCDC and the Enugu State Government to eradicate vandalism and ensure those involved face justice.
Ekoh lamented the severe impact of vandalism on essential services such as water supply and street lighting in the state. “The Enugu State Government and our office, the NSCDC, are in partnership to ensure all vandals are apprehended. We have street lights everywhere, but in many places, they are not working because of the unscrupulous activities of vandals.”
She added, “From now on, our officers are intensifying efforts to catch and charge these vandals to court. If found guilty, they will be jailed.”
Comments