The suspects |
Aba Power, Nigeria's latest electricity distribution company, is ramping up efforts against energy theft across nine local government areas in Abia State.
Recently, its Feeder Team, in collaboration with security agencies, arrested two individuals for illegal meter tampering on Orji Street, Aba.
The suspects were caught after extensive surveillance revealed their involvement in undermining energy security.
Aba Power's COO, Blessing Ogbe, emphasized the commitment to stricter monitoring and swift legal action against offenders under the 2023 Electricity Act, urging public support in reporting such crimes.
Isak Adamu, an electrician, was arrested following weeks of weeks of monitoring and surveillance which revealed that he is the brain behind multiple cases of meter tampering.
Udeme James, the second person arrested for energy theft, confessed during interrogation that he had been paying Adamu Seven thousand naira (₦7,000) monthly to manipulate his meter, preventing accurate readings of his energy consumption.
According to a police officer who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the press, further investigations revealed Adamu’s linkage to a broader network of corrupt clients benefiting from his illicit services.
“He is cooperating with us to identify and prosecute those who engaged his services”, the officer added.
Aba Power’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Blessing Ogbe expressed deep disappointment in both the electrician and the customer for defrauding Aba Power, Nigeria’s 12th power distribution company.
“We will implement stricter monitoring of prepaid meters to ensure energy theft is eradicated and revenue is protected”, he declared.
“Legal action will be taken swiftly against offenders, in line with the 2023 Electricity Act”.
He requested the public to assist Aba Power in identifying those involved in the criminal act, emphasizing that such activities harm both the company and its customers.
Engr. Ogbe also commended men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force, World Bank Police Station, Abayi, Aba, for their involvement in the investigation and successful arrests.
This crackdown follows recent comments by the Group Managing Director of Geometric Power Group, Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, who, during a Customer Service Week event this month decried the increasing rates of energy theft and vandalism.
She assured customers of improved power supply, as the company has made significant progress in resolving the gas supply challenges that have impeded turbine operations and efficient service delivery to the Aba Ring Fence area.
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