A man identified as Freedom Akabuchi has been sentenced to six months in prison for vandalising public property at Peace Park, Ojota, Lagos State.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, Akabuchi was apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency on Wednesday after he was caught cutting a wire mesh pole at the park.
He was subsequently arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Bolade, Oshodi, where he faced three charges: conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, wilful damage to government property, and theft of government property.
“Mr. Akabuchi pleaded guilty to the first and third charges and was sentenced to six months imprisonment.
For the second charge, a separate trial date has been set following the completion of his current sentence,” Wahab stated in a release on Wednesday.
Reacting to the conviction, Wahab reiterated the state’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, stressing that vandalism would not be tolerated.
“There is zero tolerance for the destruction of government property.
These assets are meant to serve the public and must be protected by all,” he said.
He urged residents to act responsibly and safeguard public infrastructure, warning that anyone caught vandalising state property would face the full consequences of the law.
“Let this be a stern reminder: government properties are public assets, not for personal exploitation,” Wahab wrote in a statement shared via his official X account.