The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State, on Monday, paraded a private school teacher identified only as John, along with five other individuals, for their alleged involvement in tampering with electricity meters to illicitly consume energy without proper payment.
The additional suspects in this case are Jaye Abayomi, Abidemi Enoch, Jackson Imukodro, Adeleke Fatimah, and Azeez Mutiu.
At a press conference held at the NSCDC Osun State Command headquarters, the Commandant, Mr. Sunday Agboola, presented the suspects to journalists. He disclosed that these individuals were apprehended in various locations within Osogbo metropolis, specifically in Awosuru, Alekuwodo, Jaleyemi, Ogo Oluwa, and Omigade areas, following a joint operation involving NSCDC personnel and officials from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. The operation took place on October 13, 2023.
Agboola expressed his disappointment, noting that despite numerous arrests aimed at deterring the public from engaging in energy theft, some individuals continue to participate in this illegal activity.
He stated, “The command is dismayed. Despite several arrests made to deter the public from embarking on this illegal act, some have bluntly refused to desist from this act. NSDC will not rest on its oars until we see a positive change in our state. After an investigation has been completed, these suspects will be taken to court.”
John, one of the suspects, confessed to being involved in meter bypass, explaining, “Our terminal got spoilt and we have an agent who usually loads our meter directly for us, but the person wasn’t available on Friday to load it for us, that was why I decided to bypass it.”
The NSCDC is actively working to combat energy theft and ensure that individuals engaging in such activities face the appropriate legal consequences.