By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi / Posted July 28, 2025
Worried by unscrupulous activities of some customers, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has issued a stern warning them, especially those who tamper with electricity meters, noting that it is a serious crime that could land offenders in prison. Under the Nigerian Electricity Act, energy theft through meter bypassing, illegal connections, or unauthorized power line tampering carries a penalty of three to five years imprisonment, substantial fines, or both.
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IBEDC has intensified campaigns aimed to curb illegal practices that threaten lives, cause electrical fires or electrocution and ultimately, undermines the nation’s power infrastructure.
Furthermore, it is partnering with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), to ramp up efforts to prosecute identified violators. The company is deploying smart meters and standardized installations to detect and prevent tampering, leading to offenders facing immediate disconnection, meter replacement costs and administrative penalties.
“Energy theft is not just illegal; it jeopardizes reliable power supply for everyone,” an IBEDC spokesperson stated, noting that revenue losses from tampering hinder investments in improved services.
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IBEDC urge customers with complaints concerning their billings to explore legal payment plans rather than to resort to self-help which compromises safety. The company has called on communities to report suspicious activities via IBEDC dedicated official channels, emphasizing collective responsibility in safeguarding the power network.