Telecom Facility Vandalism: Man Sentenced to Two Months in Anambra Prison

By Praise Chinecherem

A man identified as Obika Sopuruchukwu has been sentenced to two months in prison for conspiring to steal and vandalising critical telecommunications infrastructure in Awka, Anambra State.

Sopuruchukwu was convicted by a Magistrate Court sitting in Awka after pleading guilty to a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, specifically stealing, and vandalism of Critical National Assets.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, said Sopuruchukwu was arrested on September 9, 2026, at Emma Nnaemeka Street, Awka, while allegedly attempting to steal a telecommunications integrated power transformer/generator located in the area.

His alleged accomplice reportedly escaped, but operatives of the Corps apprehended Sopuruchukwu and subsequently charged him to court in Charge No. MAW/276C/2026.

The charges included conspiracy to commit felony, to wit: stealing, punishable under Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code, and vandalism of Critical National Assets through the loosening of bolts and cutting of cables, contrary to Section 353(2) of the Criminal Code.

When the charges were read to him, Sopuruchukwu pleaded guilty to both counts.

Delivering judgment on September 11, 2026, the Magistrate found him guilty on both charges and sentenced him to one month imprisonment on each count.

The sentences are to run consecutively at the Correctional Centre, Amawbia.

Commending the prosecution team led by SC Ifeanyi Nwokike and other NSCDC operatives, the State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, said the conviction demonstrated the Corps’ resolve to protect critical infrastructure across Anambra State.

Maku reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to clamping down on vandals and saboteurs whose activities threaten public utilities and essential services.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around government and private installations to the nearest NSCDC formation.

The Commandant said such cooperation was essential to preventing the destruction and theft of infrastructure critical to the state’s development and security.

#