A yet-to-be-identified vandal has been electrocuted while attempting to tamper with a substation belonging to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited in Enugu State.

The incident occurred at the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation located on Independence Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

The Head of Communications for MEDL, Emeka Ezeh, who confirmed the development to journalists on Tuesday, described the incident as unfortunate.

Ezeh said the lifeless body of the suspect was discovered within the substation premises in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to him, the deceased, alongside accomplices, had reportedly succeeded in loosening two intermediate cables and was attempting to remove a third when electricity supply was suddenly restored, leading to his electrocution.

“It is believed the deceased did not act alone, as two of the vandalised intermediate cables were missing from the scene, suggesting his accomplices fled with them,” he said.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure within the network, noting that such acts not only affect the company’s operations but also disrupt power supply to customers.

Ezeh urged residents to remain vigilant and support efforts to curb vandalism, stressing that customers are critical stakeholders in safeguarding electricity installations.

“Vandalism remains a major challenge that cannot be effectively tackled without the active cooperation of the public.
“It is hoped that this incident will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities,” he added.

He disclosed that the remains of the deceased had been evacuated by police officers and deposited at the morgue of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.

Power infrastructure vandalism remains a major challenge to stable electricity supply in Nigeria.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded 131 cases of vandalism across its network in 2025.