In a recent press statement, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) revealed that it has identified 1,459 cases of energy theft among its subscribers in the months of January and February 2024. Mr. Johnson Tinuoye, the Chief Key Accounts Officer of the firm, signed the statement on Tuesday, highlighting the severity of the issue.
IBEDC stated that it is vigorously pursuing investigations and legal actions against individuals and businesses involved in energy theft. Collaborating with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences, IBEDC aims to combat the various offences, including metre bypass and illegal metre tampering, which have resulted in substantial financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira for the company.
“We want to send a clear message to our customers that energy theft will not be tolerated,” the statement read. “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.”
Tinuoye stressed the gravity of energy theft under the Electricity Act, highlighting its recognition as a criminal offence with severe penalties, including imprisonment.
The statement also noted that in the Osun region, two individuals have already been apprehended for stealing energy through metre bypasses and illegal connections, with their cases formally charged in court for prosecution.
IBEDC urged its customers to refrain from engaging in any form of energy theft, emphasising the severe consequences. The company made it clear 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.
