Security forces, working alongside the Feeder Team of Aba Power Distribution Company, have apprehended two individuals involved in illegal meter tampering in Aba, Abia State.
The arrests took place on Orji Street, off Umule Road, following strong evidence linking the suspects to energy theft, an offense that compromises electricity supply within the Aba ring-fenced area.
In a statement released on Thursday, Aba Power’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Blessing Ogbe, confirmed that the arrests are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to combat energy theft across the nine local government areas it serves in Abia State.
“Aba Power, as Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, has ramped up its efforts to fight energy theft,” Ogbe said. “In collaboration with security agencies, our Feeder Team has arrested two individuals tampering with electric meters.”
One suspect, Isak Adamu, an electrician, was arrested after a surveillance operation linked him to several incidents of meter tampering. The second suspect, Udeme James, admitted during interrogation that he had been paying Adamu ₦7,000 monthly to manipulate his meter and evade accurate billing for energy consumption.
A police officer involved in the case, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that further investigations have uncovered Adamu’s connection to a broader network of clients using his illegal services.
“Adamu is cooperating with us to identify and bring to justice other individuals who have employed his services for meter tampering,” the officer added.
Expressing disappointment, Ogbe condemned the actions of both the electrician and the customer, stating that stricter measures will be put in place to curb such activities.
“We are increasing our monitoring of prepaid meters to eradicate energy theft and safeguard revenue. Offenders will face swift legal action under the 2023 Electricity Act,” Ogbe emphasized.
She urged the public to support the company by reporting any instances of energy theft, noting that these crimes negatively impact both the company and its customers.
Ogbe also commended the Nigerian Police Force, particularly the officers from the World Bank Police Station in Abayi, Aba, for their role in the arrests and the ongoing investigation.
This development follows recent comments by Agatha Nnaji, Group Managing Director of Geometric Power Group, who raised concerns about the growing issues of energy theft and vandalism during a Customer Service Week event. Nnaji assured customers that the company is working diligently to resolve gas supply challenges affecting power generation and remains committed to enhancing electricity supply in the Aba area.
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