CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Federal Government has commissioned two upgraded transmission substations in Lagos, adding 208 megawatts of bulk power to the national grid in what officials say is part of a push to fix long-standing transmission constraints.
The projects at Ijora and Apapa Road were commissioned on Monday by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, in the presence of stakeholders from the energy sector, diplomatic community, and Lagos State Government.
At the Ijora Transmission Substation, engineers installed two new 100MVA transformers. This lifted the substation’s capacity from 90MVA to 230MVA, representing an additional 112MW of bulk power for Lagos residents and businesses.
At the Apapa Road Substation, a new Gas Insulated Substation, GIS, was completed and energised. The GIS added 96MW to the grid. Officials said the new facility replaces an outdoor transformer that had been in use since 1985 as a temporary solution after the original equipment was decommissioned.
The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, said the Apapa facility’s capacity has now tripled from 60MVA to 180MVA with the installation of two new 60MVA transformers and modern switchgear.
Speaking at the commissioning, Honourable Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe,, said the upgrades align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to address structural problems in the power sector and support the administration’s goal of building a one trillion-dollar economy.
He commended the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for its support and said the Ministry will continue to invest in transmission infrastructure nationwide to close the gap between power generated and power delivered.
Engr. Abdulaziz added that the upgraded facilities will increase bulk power available to Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKEDC, for onward supply to Apapa Causeway, Ijora, Amukoko, Ajegunle, Apapa Wharf, Tin Can Island and other critical commercial areas that drive Nigeria’s economy.
The projects were delivered through funding support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, and the World Bank, in partnership with TCN.
Officials said households and businesses in Apapa, Ijora, Ajegunle and surrounding areas should begin to experience improved voltage, reduced load shedding, and fewer outages once EKEDC fully integrates the additional power into its distribution network.
The event was attended by Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by his Deputy, JICA Nigeria Chief Representative Ishigame Keiji, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, the CEO of the Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, and representatives of Eko and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies.
Man, 62, Arraigned In Lagos Over Alleged 54m Property Theft & Damage
CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 62-year-old man, Mr. Somade Segun, is facing charges before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo over allegations involving N54,000,000 worth of property said to have been damaged and stolen at Oke Afa, Ejigbo. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police.
According to the charge sheet, the incident was said to have occurred on the 5th day of July, 2026, at about 7:15am at Olowo Kene Street, opposite Christ Caleb College, Oke Afa, Ejigbo, Lagos State, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The prosecution alleged four counts in the document. The first count was conspiracy to commit felony, to wit malicious damage and stealing. The offence was said to be punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The second count alleged breach of peace. The charge stated that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause nuisance in the compound. This was referenced under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
In the third count, the prosecution alleged malicious damage to property. It stated that all house properties valued at N54,000,000 belonging to one Mrs. Bakare Oluwatoyin Abosede were damaged. The alleged offence is said to fall under Section 339(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The fourth count was stealing. The charge sheet alleged that all properties in Mrs. Bakare Oluwatoyin Abosede’s apartment, with a total value of Fifty Four Million Naira, were stolen. This is said to be punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document was Inspector Lesley Ogedengbe of Ejigbo Police Station while CSP Omisore Abiodun was also named in connection with the case file as the Divisional Police Officer.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, ASP Simeon Njue, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted him bail in the sum of N1.2m with two sureties in like sum who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Under Nigerian law, a charge represents allegations made by the prosecution and is not proof of guilt. The court is expected to hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defence before making any finding or pronouncing sentence.
Legal experts say the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the Court of competent jurisdiction.