Convict pleaded guilty to conspiracy, vandalism and theft of critical power infrastructure in Garki as authorities intensify crackdown on economic sabotage.
By A1NEWS International / June 5, 2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a convicted electricity cable vandal, Mustapha Mohammed, to seven years imprisonment for offences bordering on conspiracy, vandalism and theft of critical power infrastructure.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, June 5, 2026, marks another significant step in the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to combat the growing menace of infrastructure vandalism across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of Nigeria.
Arraignment on Charges of Conspiracy and Vandalism
Court records indicate that Mohammed was first arraigned before Federal High Court No. 13, Abuja, on April 20, 2026, on a two-count charge relating to the unlawful destruction and theft of electricity cables.
The charges alleged that the defendant conspired to damage, vandalize and steal electricity cables and subsequently carried out the vandalism and theft, offences punishable under Sections 3(6) and 1(3) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.
The prosecution was led by A. F. Agbo, an NYSC member attached to the FCT Police Legal Department, who held brief for Barrister Donatus Abah.
At the commencement of proceedings, Barrister Daniel Ujah, who initially appeared for the defendant, informed the court that his client had indicated an intention to plead guilty to the charges. Consequently, the defence counsel withdrew his appearance, stating that there would be no need for legal representation in view of the defendant’s decision to admit guilt.
Defendant Admits Guilt
After the charges were read and explained to him, Mohammed pleaded guilty to both counts without hesitation.
Following the guilty plea, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to May 12, 2026, for review of facts and presentation of evidence supporting the charges.
Legal observers note that guilty pleas in cases involving critical national infrastructure often expedite judicial proceedings, enabling courts to focus on sentencing after establishing the factual basis of the offences.
Police Testimony Details Arrest
During the review-of-facts proceedings on May 12, the prosecution presented the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Inspector Gabriel Abu, as its principal witness.
Inspector Abu narrated how the defendant was apprehended while carrying electricity cable wires he had allegedly severed from an installation in the Garki area of Abuja.
According to the officer, Mohammed was arrested shortly after successfully cutting and removing the cables. During interrogation, he reportedly led investigators to the exact location where the vandalism occurred, thereby confirming the circumstances surrounding the offence.
The testimony formed a crucial part of the prosecution’s case, linking the defendant directly to the destruction and theft of the electricity infrastructure.
Court Confirms Facts Before Conviction
Following the testimony of the investigating officer, the court sought clarification directly from the defendant.
The presiding judge asked Mohammed whether the evidence presented by the witness was true. The defendant answered in the affirmative.
When further asked whether he had any objection to the facts presented by the prosecution, Mohammed responded that he had none.
Satisfied that the prosecution had established the facts of the case and that the defendant had voluntarily admitted responsibility, the court adjourned the matter to June 5, 2026, for judgment.
Seven-Year Jail Term
Delivering judgment, the court convicted Mohammed on both counts and imposed the following sentences:
- Count One: Seven years imprisonment.
- Count Two: Seven years imprisonment.
The court, however, ordered that both sentences run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve seven years rather than a cumulative fourteen years.
The judge further ruled that the prison term would take effect from the date of the convict’s arrest.
In addition, the court ordered that the recovered vandalized and stolen electricity cables be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Rising Concern Over Infrastructure Vandalism
The conviction comes amid increasing concerns over the destruction of public infrastructure across Nigeria, particularly electricity installations, transmission facilities and distribution assets.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that vandalism of power infrastructure not only causes widespread outages and economic losses but also endangers lives and undermines national development efforts.
Industry experts estimate that billions of naira are lost annually through the destruction and theft of critical infrastructure, resulting in prolonged power disruptions for businesses and households.
The conviction and sentencing of Mustapha Mohammed underscore the determination of law enforcement authorities and the judiciary to hold perpetrators of infrastructure vandalism accountable.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges in the power sector, stakeholders believe that strict enforcement of existing laws and swift prosecution of offenders will serve as a deterrent to individuals engaged in the destruction and theft of public assets.
The case also highlights the growing collaboration between the police and judicial institutions in protecting critical national infrastructure and preserving essential public services.
Leave a Reply