NSCDC Arraigns Four Individuals for Vandalizing Underground Cables of Enugu Electricity Agency

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday arraigned four individuals—Moses Timothy, Jeffrey Lawrence, Augustine Abila, and Caleb Kamiru—before a Federal High Court in Enugu on a two-count charge of allegedly vandalizing underground armored cables belonging to the Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency.

The NSCDC stated that the defendants committed the act on July 1, 2024, and lamented the adverse effects of vandalization on water and electricity delivery in the state.

The charge, marked FHC/EN/CR/140/2024, read in part: “That you, Moses Timothy, Jeffrey 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 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.”

The second count stated that the accused also violated provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M17 L.F.N 2004 and are therefore punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded in a correctional facility. The presiding judge, Justice F.O. Ogunbanjo, adjourned the matter to September 24th, 25th, and 26th for hearing.

Speaking to newsmen after the court proceedings, NSCDC counsel Amaka Ekoh stated that the agency, in partnership with the Enugu State Government, is determined to eradicate vandalism in the state and ensure that offenders are prosecuted and jailed.

Ekoh expressed regret that vandalism severely impacts social services such as pipe-borne water and street lighting in the state. She emphasized that the Enugu State Government and the NSCDC are working together to identify and apprehend vandals, ensuring that those caught face legal consequences.

“Our officers are committed to their duty. They will apprehend vandals and bring them to court to face justice. If found guilty, they will be jailed,” Ekoh concluded.