BEDC Sub-stations Vandals Bag 6-year Jail In Ondo
By Editor
The Management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) on Thursday announced that two individuals have each been sentenced to three years imprisonment for vandalizing BEDC substations in Ondo.
BEDC operates in Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo with its headquarters in Benin.
Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, the Head, Branding and Corporate Affairs, BEDC, disclosed this in a statement in Benin
Gbiwen noted that the cases underlined BEDC’s ongoing commitment to protecting vital infrastructure and ensuring the reliability of electricity services.
She stated that Ismaila Adebayo, also known as “Spark Wire,” was sentenced by the Ore 2 magistrate court in Ondo after being found guilty of vandalizing a 500 KVA BEDC substation in the state
She explained that Adebayo’s actions at the total roundabout substation in Ore town disrupted power supply and caused significant financial losses to BEDC
Gbiwen noted that the prosecution provided conclusive evidence during the trial, including police testimony, linking Adebayo to the crime.
“The Chief Magistrate’s ruling reflected the seriousness of his actions, leading to his three-year imprisonment for stealing an incomer cable from the substation.
“In a separate trial, God Save, an indigene of Plateau State was convicted by the Ile-Oluji Chief Magistrate on August 12.
“He was found guilty of dismantling and stealing aluminum conductors from the BEDC Jibokun substation in Ile-Oluji.
“The court’s decision in Save’s case was based on eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence that conclusively proved his involvement.
” His sentencing sends a clear message that vandalism of our critical infrastructure will not be tolerated, ” the statement said.
According to the statement,
Engr. Remi Faola, the Regional Head, Ondo Region, on behalf of BEDC commend the judiciary for their decisive actions in the cases.
” Vandalism of our substations not only causes financial losses but also disrupts essential power supply. These sentences underscore the serious consequences of such crimes.
“BEDC remains committed to collaborating with law enforcement to protect our facilities.
” We will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the security of our infrastructure and the reliable delivery of electricity to our customers, “.