The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has reported over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal tampering, between January and October 2024, resulting in financial losses running into hundreds of millions of Naira.
In response, the DisCo has intensified its crackdown on energy theft, partnering with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPETO) to identify, investigate, and prosecute offenders.
He said, “Energy theft is a significant challenge that impacts our ability to provide reliable service to our customers.
“We are intensifying our efforts through partnerships like this to ensure that those who engage in such practices face the full force of the law,” Engr. Agoha stated.
Between January and October 2024, IBEDC recorded over 8,000 cases of energy theft, including meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in financial losses totaling hundreds of millions of naira.
Engr. Agoha said, “Our partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force is crucial. It not only enhances our capacity to detect and prosecute offenders but also sends a strong message that energy theft will not be tolerated.
“This undermines the integrity of our operations and deprives us of resources needed to improve service delivery.”
IBEDC has assured customers that SIPETO patrols are actively investigating reported cases of energy theft and urged the public to avoid such illegal activities, warning that severe penalties, including imprisonment, await offenders under the Electricity Act.
Advisors Reports have confirmed that the SIPETO was inaugurated in 2022 as part of ongoing initiatives by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enforce legal action against electricity-related offenses.
