Energy Theft: Police Arraigns 11 Culprits For Meter Bypass

The Katampe Division of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is set to arraign 11 persons suspected to have engaged in meter bypass and energy theft before a Grade 1 Area Court in Mpape, FCT.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) disclosed that the meters bypass occurred in Gisiri community where it recently spent over N55million on the rehabilitation of the network and installation of over 1,000 pre-paid meters in order to improve service delivery to its customers in the community.

The alleged 11 culprits, which include two women and nine men are Chidinma Aniweke, Mary Anchor, Paul Nwodo, Chinese Otalor, Emeka Obeta and Julius Agba.

Others are Chukwuemelie Ifeanyi, Odiase Sunday, Tari Marcus, Monday Daniel and Francis Ajulor.

In a statement endorsed by the AEDC Head of Corporate communications, Mr. Oyebode Fadipe, AEDC noted that the incidence of  meters bypass and energy theft is becoming rampant and worrisome.

However, the AEDC said it is prepared to work with relevant security agencies on the rising cases of energy theft through meter bypass, suppression of consumption and other forms of sharp practices that seek to compromise its investment and commitment to the provision of electricity to its customers.

The Gisiri incident, according to AEDC, shows the desperation of some persons to avoid the payment for electricity and to sabotage the Company in its bid to improve quality of its service.

According to Fadipe, ‘’We cannot continue to allow persons with criminal intention to steal electricity to have their way as this is capable of denying the Company of the needed liquidity for its survival’’.

It would be recalled that in May 2017, a special investigation and prosecution taskforce on electricity offences made up of officials of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police, other relevant security agencies and AEDC was inaugurated by the Director of Public Prosecution – Umar Etsu with a mandate to wage war against energy theft and other forms of sharp practices within the franchise area of AEDC.

The suspects who have been bail by the Court will be formerly arraigned on 25th June, 2018 when their plea is expected to be taken in Court.