A 39-year-old electrician, Tajudeen Ogunwoye, who allegedly tampered with Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company’s (IKEDC’s) installations, yesterday appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Ogunwoye, who lives at 51, Kareem Babatunde Street, Dopemu, Lagos, is facing a one-count charge of breach of the peace.
He was alleged to be involved in illegal re-connection of IKEDC cables.
Prosecutor Hafsat Ajibode said the accused committed the offence on April 11, about 12:30pm, at 8, Ogunjebe Street, Dopemu.
She said the accused tampered with IKEDC’s installations at Dopemu by working on an HVDS transformer that needed amendment of the neutral service wire, thereby blowing up the fuse.
Ajibode said the accused charged N2, 000 for the job.
“The ladder the accused usually rents out to residents to carry out illegal connections has been found to be one of IKEDC’s stolen ladders.
“Most times, the accused climbs poles to carry out illegal re-connection without IKEDC’s approval,’’ the prosecutor told the court.
The offence contravenes Section 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (revised).
The accused pleaded not guilty. Magistrate G. O. Anifowoshe granted him bail at N5, 000 with one surety.
She adjourned the case till April 23 for mention.