The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has vowed to prosecute anyone found vandalising its electrical installations and engaging in energy theft.
The Managing Director of the electricity distribution company, Engr. Kinsley Achife disclosed this on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He explained that this action became expedient as a result of incessant cases of energy theft, vandalism, and illegal metre usage in the state.
Achife, represented by the Lead Media Officer of IBEDC, Busolami Tunwase, stated that energy theft is a crime punishable under the law.
Achife said, “We have called this meeting to seek better working relationships with our customers, but this we cannot do if they are not paying for the services being rendered.”
He mentioned that the new Electricity Act, signed by President Bola Tinubu, recommended punishment for energy theft and assault on its officials.
The MD added that the Electricity Act stipulates that whoever is caught using illegal power or assaulting IBEDC staff is liable to face the wrath of the law.
He appealed to the stakeholders to embrace unity with the staff of IBEDC.
He lamented that energy theft, vandalism, and illicit metres have increased the debt of customers to IBEDC in Ogun State to over N67 billion, out of which the Ijebu Ode area has over N7 billion.
He urged customers to desist from tampering with metres and vandalising electrical installations, as the offence attracts 21-year imprisonment.
“Another thing is vandalism because the law states that one should not tamper with electrical installations, and in the case of vandalism, it attracts a 21-year jail term.
“We want to appeal to the people of Ijebu about energy theft.
We are losing billions of naira to energy theft. As we speak, Ogun State’s total debt is over N74 billion, with a total of NMD (Non-Maximum Demand customers) owing over N67 billion.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM TheWitness
How Sunday Igboho got his freedom — Prof Akintoye
The leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, a self determination movement for Yoruba nation, Professor Banji Akintoye, on Saturday, declared that…
FULL LIST: 43 items that are no longer contraband for importation
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed restrictions on the importation of all 43 items that…
How N16 almost made me to drop out of school —Prof Ogundana
Celina Folakemi Ogundana, an academic and professor of Sociology, is the…
I don’t have billionaire boyfriend, I lied —Mercy Eke
Former Big Brother Naija winner, Mercy Eke, has set the record straight by admitting that she…
Kenyan authorities arrest fake lawyer who won 26 cases in court
Kenyan authorities have arrested a fake lawyer, Brian Mwenda, who has won 26 cases while parading…
2023 AFCON: Super Eagles will be difficult opponent for Cote d’Ivoire — Drogba
Cote d’Ivoire legend Didier Drogba has predicted a difficult duel against the Super Eagles of…
