Traffic officer docked over alleged theft of electricity cable

A traffic officer, Olakunle Fashola, who allegedly cut and stole Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) cable valued at N150,000, was on Thursday arraigned in a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

Fashola is standing trial on a two-count charge of unlawful damage and theft.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Philip Osijiale, told the court that the traffic officer, who was attached to Apapa Local Government, committed the offences on April 3, at about 3 p.m., at Tokunbo Street in Lagos Island.

He said that the accused climbed a ladder, cut the cable and was taking it away when some policemen on patrol saw and arrested him.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 248 and 348 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011 which prescribe two and three years imprisonment respectively for offenders.

The accused however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr Omolaja Kazeem, admitted the accused to N50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Kazeem adjourned the case until April 19 for mention.