The defendants were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Enugu on a two-count charge marked FHC/EN/CR/140/2024.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken legal action against four individuals - Moses Timothy, Joefrey Lawrence, Augustine Abila, and Caleb Kamiru - for allegedly vandalising underground armoured cables belonging to the Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency.
The defendants were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Enugu on a two-count charge marked FHC/EN/CR/140/2024.
According to statement by the Enugu Command of NSCDC on Monday, the incident occurred on July 1, 2024, and highlighted the devastating effects of vandalism on water and electricity supply in the state.
One of the count read, “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 amoured cables belonging to Enugu State Rural Electrification Agency without appropriate authority, thereby committing an office 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 states that the accused also violated the provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M17 L.F.N 2004 and therefore punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Section of the Act.
When the charges were read to the Defendants, they all pleaded not guilty, and were subsequently, remanded in the Enugu Custodial Centre.
The presiding judge, Justice F.O Ogunbanjo, subsequently, adjourned the trial to 24th, 25th, and 26th of September, 2024.
Following the court proceedings, Amaka Ekoh, counsel for the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), addressed journalists, stating that the agency and the Enugu State Government are determined to eradicate vandalism in the state and ensure that those responsible face imprisonment.
Ekoh expressed concern that vandalism is significantly impacting essential social services, including piped water and street lighting, in the state.
"The Enugu State Government and our office, the NCDC are in partnership to make sure they fish out all the vandals in the state. We have street lights everywhere, but in many places they are not working because the unscrupulous ones have been vandalising all the underground armoured cables.
"So, from now onwards, our officers are doing their best. They will be getting the vandals and be charging them to court for the law to take its course.
"If they are found guilty at the end of the day, they will be jailed," she said.