By Our Reporter
In a notable legal development, two individuals have been sentenced to three years in prison each for their roles in vandalizing BEDC substations.
The cases, adjudicated separately, highlight ongoing efforts to curb the disruption and damage caused by vandalism of essential infrastructure.
Ismaila Adebayo, popularly known as “Spark Wire,” received a three-year prison sentence from the Ore 2 Magistrate Court in Ondo State. The court’s decision followed a thorough investigation and subsequent trial where Adebayo was found guilty of vandalizing a BEDC 500 KVA distribution substation.
This substation, situated at the Total Roundabout in Ore town, was severely impacted when Adebayo stole an incomer cable.
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence that conclusively linked Adebayo to the crime.
The police testimony and other evidence presented to the Chief Magistrate Fashaun, left no room for doubt regarding Adebayo’s involvement.
As a result, he was sentenced to three years in prison for his actions, which not only caused financial loss but also disrupted the power supply to the local community.
In a separate proceeding, God Save, an indigene of Plateau State, was convicted and sentenced by the Ile-Oluji Chief Magistrate, Dr. Tope Aladejana, on August 12. Save faced charges related to the vandalism of the BEDC Jibokun substation in Ile-Oluji.
The court found him guilty of dismantling and stealing 100mm by 100meters aluminum conductors from the facility.
The evidence against God Save included eyewitness accounts and forensic data, which collectively supported the charge of theft and vandalism.
Following the trial, God Save was sentenced to three years imprisonment and subsequently transferred to Segede Prison in Ondo City.
In response to these rulings, Engr. Remi Faola, the Regional Head, Ondo Region on behalf of Management of BEDC, expressed his appreciation for the judicial system’s efforts to combat infrastructure vandalism, stating,
“We commend the courts for their decisive actions in these cases. Vandalism of our substations not only leads to financial losses but also disrupts the vital power supply that communities rely on.
These sentences send a clear message that such crimes will be met with serious consequences.”
The BEDC management also reiterated their commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to safeguard their facilities and ensure that those who commit these crimes are held accountable.
“Our priority remains the protection of our infrastructure and the reliable delivery of electricity to our customers. We will continue to support efforts to prevent and address vandalism.