The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested two men over alleged involvement in electricity meter tampering and illegal power vending.
The suspects, identified as Babatunde, 46, and Akin, 40, were apprehended following an investigation into suspected fraudulent activities linked to a prepaid meter belonging to a customer of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, the arrests followed a formal complaint lodged by the affected electricity consumer.
The NSCDC explained that the customer raised the alarm after his prepaid meter reportedly developed a fault that prevented him from loading recharge units.
Providing further details, the State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, said preliminary findings pointed to deliberate interference with the device.
He stated that the two suspects allegedly worked together to manipulate the prepaid meter in question.
Commandant Sotiyo disclosed that one of the suspects, a former IBEDC employee, was linked to the technical aspect of the alleged tampering.
“The investigation revealed that the prepaid meter was unlawfully formatted, and about 200 electricity units were made to appear on the meter without payment,” the commandant said.
He warned electricians and other technical service providers to refrain from engaging in meter bypass, illegal vending or any activity capable of undermining power infrastructure.
“The Corps remains committed to the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, including electricity installations, and offenders will be prosecuted,” Sotiyo added.
The NSCDC said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Residents were also urged to promptly report any suspicious activities involving electricity meters or other public utilities to the nearest NSCDC office.
