OSUN COURT REMANDS FIVE OVER ALLEGED VANDALISM, THEFT OF IBEDC PROPERTIES

A Magistrate Court sitting in Okuku, Osun State, has remanded five persons in custody over alleged vandalism and theft of properties belonging to Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The defendants, Seun Ajayi , Opeyemi Ariyo, Afolabi Emmanuel, Adeyemo Babatunde, and Oyewole Mayowa, were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, wilful damage, and receiving stolen properties.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to steal electric wires, copper wires, armored cables, and electric power transformer fittings valued at ₦200,000,000.

The defendants were also accused of vandalizing electric power transformers at Oyan and Iree communities in Osun State.

The Counsels for the defendants, Barr. Kehinde Adepoju (for 1st, 3rd & 5th defendants), Barr. Chief Abdul Rahman Olodo (for 2nd defendant), and Barr. G.O. Oludayo (for 4th defendant), requested bail, arguing that their clients are presumed innocent until proven guilty and promising that they will not jump bail.

However, the Prosecutor, Insp. Okeniyi Segun, objected to the bail request, stating that the defendants were arrested on tracking and may likely jump bail if released.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ibukun Adeniran ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.

The defendants' alleged actions have caused significant disruption to electricity supply in the affected communities, and the prosecution is seeking to hold them accountable for their actions.

The case was adjourned until April 7th, 2025, for further hearing.