Aba Power, the electricity distribution company in Nigeria, has apprehended two individuals for their involvement in meter tampering as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to combat energy theft. The suspects, identified as Isak Adamu and Udeme James, were arrested in the Aba area, which spans nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State under Aba Power’s jurisdiction.
In a statement shared with SaharaReporters on Thursday, Aba Power revealed that the arrests were made by its Feeder Team in collaboration with security agencies at Orji Street, off Umule Road, Aba.
The statement detailed that the arrests were made after conclusive evidence was gathered, implicating the suspects in criminal activities that threaten energy security in the Aba Ring-fenced Area.
“Adamu, an electrician, was apprehended after weeks of surveillance, which confirmed his involvement in multiple cases of meter tampering,” the statement said. Meanwhile, James admitted during interrogation that he had been paying Adamu N7,000 each month to alter his meter, preventing accurate readings of his electricity usage.
Further investigations, according to the statement, revealed that Adamu was part of a larger network providing illicit services to corrupt clients.
Expressing frustration over the situation, Aba Power’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Blessing Ogbe, condemned both the electrician and the customer for defrauding the company. “We are tightening our monitoring of prepaid meters to stop energy theft and protect our revenue,” Ogbe said. He also warned that the company would take swift legal action against offenders in accordance with the 2023 Electricity Act.
He called on the public to support Aba Power in identifying those engaged in such illegal activities, stressing the negative impact on both the company and its customers. Additionally, Engr. Ogbe praised the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, specifically officers from the World Bank Police Station in Abayi, Aba, for their role in the investigation and arrests.
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