Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) has secured the conviction of three persons at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Division for tampering with electrical installations belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The three persons were arraigned before Hon. Justice A. Demi -Ajayi for the offence of unlawfully tampering, disconnecting and damaging Electrical insIlations of BEDC.
The three – Chibueze Emmanuel and Michael Genesis and Ojuolape Olaitan, were convicted on May 8, 2024.
While Chibueze Emmanuel and Michael Genesis were arrested January 2022, Ojuolape Olaitan was nabbed January this year.
Following adjournment, the Hon. Judge at the resumed hearing of the matter on May 8, reviewed the two charges on the basis of facts of the three having earlier pleaded guilty to the offence.
After a careful review of the facts, the Judge sentenced each of the three defendants to six years of imprisonment.
The Daily Crucible reports that IBEDC is in partnership with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO) to curb energy theft within its franchise area.
Energy theft cases include various offenses such as meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira for the company.
As stipulated by the Electricity Act, energy theft is now recognized as a criminal offense, carrying severe penalties including imprisonment.
“We want to send a clear message to our customers that energy theft will not be tolerated. Our collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences underscores our commitment to ensuring a fair and just electricity distribution system. Energy theft not only undermines the integrity of our operations but also deprives IBEDC of the revenue necessary to provide quality services to our customers.” We urge our customers to refrain from engaging in any form of energy theft, as the consequences can be severe.
