NSCDC: Court sentences transformer cable vandal to five years in Kogi

By Onu Okorie

The Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has sentenced a man, Akoji Jonah, to five years’ imprisonment for vandalising armoured transformer cables belonging to Kogi State Electricity Development Limited (KEDL) in Biraidu Community, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Command, disclosed this in a press release dated October 19, 2026, describing the conviction as a significant milestone in its efforts to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
The judgment was delivered on Monday, October 19, 2026, following the prosecution of the defendant on charges relating to the vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure and economic sabotage.
Reacting to the judgment, the Kogi State Commandant of the NSCDC, Aletan Olumide Ebenezer, commended the command’s Legal Unit, led by the Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Ike F. Ugochukwu, for its diligence and professionalism in prosecuting the case.
Ebenezer attributed the successful prosecution to what he described as thorough investigations by the command’s intelligence and investigation personnel, which provided the necessary support for the legal team.
He said the conviction would serve as a deterrent to individuals and groups involved in the destruction of public utilities and other critical national assets.
The commandant reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and ensuring that those responsible for vandalism are brought to justice.
He also warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist from actions capable of disrupting electricity supply, undermining economic development and endangering public safety.
According to him, the command will sustain its operational and intelligence-driven efforts to rid Kogi State of infrastructure vandals and other economic saboteurs.
The NSCDC further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around electricity installations and other critical infrastructure to the appropriate security agencies.
The corps reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, property and critical national assets and infrastructure across Kogi State.