Vandals bag 7 years each for vandalizing power supply infrastructure

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Chief Magistrate Court 2 in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, has convicted 2 vandals of power supply equipment and sentenced them to 7years imprisonment each.
The convicts, Hashimu Umar and Lawali Abubakar were handed the sentences after being charged and found guilty on two count charges of criminal conspiracy and vandalism of electrical infrastructure contrary to section 60 and 298 of Kebbi State Penal Code.
According to Police First Information Report, Hashimu Umar and Lawali Abubakar were apprehended on 28 August, 2023 while vandalising Unguwan Malamai Relief Distribution Transformer, property of Kaduna Electric, in Bunguji Area in Argungu Local Government of Kebbi State.
While delivering judgement, the Chief Magistrate sentenced Hashimu Umar and Lawali Abubakar to 1year imprisonment each with an option of 50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only) fine for criminal conspiracy and 3years imprisonment with an option of 100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira Only) fine each for vandalising electricity infrastructure.
In addition to their sentences, the court ordered the convicts to jointly pay a sum of N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only) to Kaduna Electric as compensation for the damages caused or to serve an extended three (3) years jail term in of payment compensation.
The chief Magistrate Court further imposed N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira Only) cost of investigation on the convicts.
Commenting on the issue, the Head Corporate Communications of Kaduna Electric, Abdulazeez Abdullahi applauded the courage of the Chief Magistrate, describing it as “highly patriotic.”
“We strongly believe that the judgement will serve as a deterrent to those who may be nursing the intention of vandalizing power supply infrastructure; we commend the patriotic disposition of the Chief Magistrate,” he said.