NSCDC arrest 7 suspects over alleged energy theft/meter tampering in Kwara

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara state has arrested seven suspects over alleged theft of Energy as well as Electricity and Metre tampering.

The suspects who were picked up from various locations in Ilorin, the state capital including Amayo, Ganmo, Olunlade, Kangu, Irewolede and Sango areas during a raid by the combined team of NSCDC and officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution company (IIBEDC) were alleged to have been involved in energy stealing and meter bye-passing in their houses.

Public Relations Officer of NSCDC in the state, Ayoola Michael who confirmed the arrest said that the raid was a continuation of the war started by the Security Agency on those involved in the vandalization of government property in the state.

Ayoola who recalled that five suspects were arrested at the University of Ilorin Staff quarter in Jalala Estate with the alleged theft of Electric Cables and Wires and were already charged to Court.

The PRO who described those involved in energy theft and Meter Tampering and racketeering said that they should be treated as economic saboteurs adding that “the NSCDC would not relent in waging war against them until we get rid of them and make the property of government safe.

“We have commenced raid of houses in some areas in the state to ensure that people do not tamper with electricity meters. We are warning those that usually tamper with electricity meters that It will no longer be business as usual.”

The PRO said that the seven suspects arrested are being investigated and interrogated by officials of the NSCDC and would soon be charged to Court on completion of the investigation.

[AD] Urgent: Download This APP & Get Instant Reward

---

Also Speaking, Engr Oluwatoyin Akinyosoye, head of IBEDC in Kwara region comprising of Kwara state and part of Oyo, Niger and Kogi states said that cases of energy theft in form of Meter Tampering, bye-passing and racketeering was on the increase in the area of operation of the electricity distribution Company.

Akinyosoye who said that the Company discovered that it was running at a loss stated that “we discovered that what we get as revenue on monthly basis fell short of the energy we purchased from those that produced the energy adding every bit of energy stolen is a loss to IBEDC.”

He said that most of the arrested suspects were found to have bye passed the meter which is a form of economic sabotage.”

The Regional head while noting that IBEDC can still boast of good customers in the region said that the company had embark on sensitisation programme for it Customers in the region and urged the people to expose the bad element in the society adding that “10% of the penalty that would be paid by those that flouted the law would be given as compensation to whistle blowers.”

He however advised people who discovered any fault in their meters to report such directly to their offices for correction of such fault instead of engaging roadside technicians to fix such meters adding that IBEDC had experts that can correct Meter faults.