A vandal has been electrocuted at an Enugu MainPower substation while attempting to tamper with electricity infrastructure, authorities confirm

A yet-to-be-identified vandal was electrocuted while attempting to tamper with a substation owned by MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

Also read:  Enugu Air Secures Historic Nigerian Aviation Certification

The incident occurred at the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation on Independence Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu.

The Head of Communications for MEDL, Emeka Ezeh, described the event as unfortunate, noting that the lifeless body of the suspect was discovered within the substation premises in the early hours of the day.

According to Ezeh, the deceased and his accomplices had successfully loosened two intermediate cables and were attempting to remove a third when electricity supply was suddenly restored, resulting in electrocution.

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

Ezeh expressed concern over the rising incidents of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, emphasising that such acts disrupt operations and affect power supply to customers.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in safeguarding installations.

“The public plays a critical role in preventing vandalism. It is hoped that this incident will serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar criminal activities,” he added.

The remains of the deceased were evacuated by police officers and deposited at the morgue of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.

Power infrastructure vandalism continues to challenge electricity stability in Nigeria.

Also read: Enugu Air Welcomes New Embraer 195 Aircraft, Expands Services

The Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded 131 cases of vandalism across its network in 2025.