Two Docked in Ebonyi Over Alleged Vandalism of Power Transmission Towers
Oru Leonard
Two persons have been charged before the Ebonyi State High Court over the alleged vandalism of transmission towers belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV power line.
TCN, in a statement issued by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the suspects — Obinna Nweke and Monday Ezike — were apprehended on May 9, 2026, by local vigilantes and youths in Ezza Umuhuali Community, Ishielu Local Government Area.
The company said investigations showed that tower components worth billions of naira were removed from Towers T15, T16 and T17 over several months and allegedly sold to scrap dealers.
According to TCN, the destruction of the towers posed a major threat to power stability in Ebonyi State and surrounding areas, warning that vandalism of electricity infrastructure undermines national development and economic growth.
Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to the Ishielu Police Station in Ntezi before being formally charged in court. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to arrest other individuals connected to the crime.
TCN praised members of the host community for their swift intervention and called on Nigerians to support the protection of critical national infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies and TCN offices.
