In a strong message against public infrastructure vandalism, a man has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stealing electrical cables from the Oke-Afa Wastewater Treatment Plant, a vital facility operated by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO).
Sodiq Oyewummi was apprehended in the act by diligent plant officials while attempting to steal cables from the critical wastewater treatment facility. He was immediately handed over to the Lagos State Taskforce Environmental and Special Offences Court.
Oyewummi faced a three-count charge, including conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, willful damage to government property, and theft of government property.
He pleaded guilty to the first and third charges and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Speaking on the development, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, General Manager of the LSWMO, stated that the incident and swift legal action demonstrate the severe consequences of undermining public utilities.
“This conviction reinforces the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on public infrastructure vandalism,” Engr. Afolabi stated.
He further emphasised that the decisive action serves as a clear deterrent, affirming the government’s dedication to securing public assets.
“LSWMO remains steadfast in its commitment to monitoring and maintaining the state’s wastewater treatment facilities to ensure they operate optimally and serve the public effectively,” he stated.
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, therefore, urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around public utilities. Concerns can be reported via the official line 08022022397 or through their social media channels: @lswmomedia on Instagram and Twitter, and The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office on Facebook.
The conviction, among other things, underscore the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting essential public utilities and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.