Two men docked over alleged theft of cable, transformer worth N10.5m

NOAH Aka and Abdulahi Haruna, were on Tuesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly damaging a 500KVA transformer and stealing electric wires worth N10.5 million.

Aka, 26,  and Haruna, 24, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a four-count charge bordering on wilful damage, stealing and receiving stolen properties.

They, however,  pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp. Ingobo Emby told the court that the defendants committed the offences on July 27, at 5 a.m.,  at Iroko-Awe, along Ilasan New Road, Lekki in Lagos State.

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Emby said that Aka willfully damaged a 500KVA transformer valued at N8 million.

“The first defendant unlawfully interfered with the Eko Electricity Distribution Company property by stealing 60 metres of armoured cable valued at N2.1 million.

“Aka also stole a 150mm- four-core cable valued at N300, 000 and a 200-metre earth wire valued at N100, 000.

“The total value of all the items damaged and stolen was N10.5 million,” Emby said.

According to the prosecutor, Haruna received the items knowing fully well that they were stolen.

Emby said that the offences contravened Sections 287, 328, 339 and 340 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates three years’ imprisonment for offenders.

The magistrate, Mr A. O. Alogba granted the duo bail in the sum of N200, 000  each with two sureties each in like sum.

He said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

The magistrate adjourned the case until Aug. 19 for mention.