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Security personnel, in conjunction with the Feeder Team of Aba Power Distribution Company, have apprehended two individuals suspected of engaging in illegal meter tampering in Aba, Abia State.
The suspects were taken into custody on Orji Street, near Umule Road, after substantial evidence linked them to energy theft, a crime that jeopardizes electricity security in the Aba region.
This information was shared in a statement by Blessing Ogbe, the Chief Operating Officer of Aba Power, who indicated that these arrests are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to combat energy theft across nine local government areas in Abia State.
Ogbe stated, “Aba Power, Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, has ramped up its initiatives to tackle energy theft. Our Feeder Team, in collaboration with security agencies, has arrested two individuals involved in illegal meter tampering.”
One of the suspects, Isak Adamu, an electrician, was detained after weeks of surveillance that revealed his involvement in multiple instances of meter manipulation.
The second suspect, Udeme James, admitted during questioning that he had been paying Adamu ₦7,000 monthly to alter his meter readings, thus preventing accurate assessments of energy consumption.
A police officer familiar with the investigation, who requested anonymity, noted that further inquiries revealed Adamu’s ties to a larger network of clients benefiting from his illicit services. “He is cooperating with us to identify and prosecute other individuals who hired him for meter tampering,” the officer added.
Ogbe expressed disappointment in both the electrician and the customer for defrauding the company, stressing that more stringent measures would be introduced to combat energy theft.
“We will enhance our monitoring of prepaid meters to eradicate energy theft and protect our revenue. Legal action will be promptly initiated against offenders in accordance with the 2023 Electricity Act,” Ogbe stated.
She urged the community to assist Aba Power by reporting individuals engaged in such criminal activities, pointing out that energy theft adversely affects both the company and its customers.
Ogbe also commended the Nigerian Police Force, particularly the World Bank Police Station in Abayi, Aba, for their involvement in the investigation and the successful arrests.
This incident follows recent comments by Agatha Nnaji, the Group Managing Director of Geometric Power Group, who expressed concern over the increasing rates of energy theft and vandalism during a recent Customer Service Week event.
Nnaji reassured customers that the company is making strides in addressing gas supply issues affecting turbine operations and is dedicated to enhancing power supply in the Aba region.
