The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) reported a total of 1,459 instances of energy theft by its subscribers between January and February 2024.
This disclosure was made in a press statement signed by the firm’s Chief Key Accounts Officer, Mr. Johnson Tinuoye, on Tuesday.
According to IBEDC, the cases of energy theft included 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.
In response, IBEDC stated that it is actively pursuing investigations and legal actions against individuals and businesses involved in energy theft, in collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences.
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Tinuoye emphasized that energy theft is now recognized as a criminal offense under the Electricity Act, carrying severe penalties including imprisonment.
He highlighted a specific case in the Osun region where two individuals were apprehended for stealing energy through meter bypass and illegal connections, and their cases have been formally charged in court for prosecution.
IBEDC underscored its commitment to maintaining a fair and just electricity distribution system and urged customers to refrain from engaging in any form of energy theft.
The company warned that there is no room for negotiation with the SIPTEO Task Force team, which is actively patrolling and investigating instances of energy theft for prosecution.
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