Ruth NWORIE
A Magistrate Court in Akwa Ibom State has sentenced a 45-year-old man, Ukeme Johnson Obonukut, to five years’ imprisonment for vandalising solar street lights in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
Obonukut, an indigene of Ikot Udo Abia village, was convicted for damaging solar-powered street lights installed along Barracks Road linking Idung Eka Uyo and Ikot Udo Abia.
He was arrested in 2025 by vigilant youths who reportedly caught him in the act and handed him over to the police for prosecution.
The convict was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Ifiok Ubom on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and vandalism in charge number UKM/11c/2025.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the court found him guilty and sentenced him to five years in prison without an option of fine.
In her ruling, Magistrate Ubom condemned the activities of individuals who sabotage public infrastructure for personal gain and advised youths to channel their energy into productive ventures.
Residents of the area welcomed the judgment, describing it as a deterrent to others who may be involved in similar acts.
“This is judgment well served on a perpetrator who does not want to see light shine in Ukanafun,” a resident, Iboro Effiong, said.
The solar street lights were installed to improve security and enhance socio-economic activities within the affected communities.
