Court Adjourns Suit Between PHCN And Suspected Vandals

By Tolu Olamiriki - 15.03.2008

A Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, presided over by Justice B. I. Molokwu, on Wednesday adjourned hearing in a case between the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Ibadan Zone, and three accused persons over vandalism.

The three accused persons – Jimoh Alao (37), Madubuike (27) and Tunde Idris (39) – were accused of tampering with electrical poles, cable wire, bolts and nuts at Ogbomoso area of Ibadan judicial division of PHCN, Ibadan zone on October 25, 2007, and thereby committed an office contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M117 of Nigeria, 2004.

The presiding judge, Justice B. I. Molokwu, however, made amendment for the day of trial due to the nature of the charge sheet and the case was accordingly adjourned till April 28 for hearing.

In a related development, four accused persons also appeared before the court over conspiracy and vandalism of PHCN equipment belonging to Ibadan zone of the company.

The four accused persons are Victor Akpan, Rasaki Salami, Torner Ekobi and P. Ibeh.

The Investigating Police officer, Audu Lasisi, said that while on duty on March 28, 2006 at about 6:00pm, a case of stealing of PHCN wire was reported by one Engineer Akeredolu involving the four accused persons, while three witnesses were called.