By Our Correspondent
Two persons accused of assaulting a staff member of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. have been formally arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Nnewi, Anambra State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Head of Communications of the Company, Mr. Izunna Okafor, who confirmed that the defendants were brought before the Magistrate Court of Anambra State in the Nnewi Magisterial District on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in connection with the alleged attack on a FirstPower personnel while carrying out his lawful duties.
According to the statement, the defendants, Mr. Kingsley Chikeluba Okwueze, aged 39, and Mr. Nnamdi Adolphus Okwueze, aged 37, were arraigned in Charge No. NMC/51C/2026 following investigations into the incident which occurred on December 27, 2025, at Amakom Village in Ifite Oraifite, within the Company’s electricity coverage area.
The Head of Communications explained that the incident involved the alleged conspiracy and unlawful assault of a FirstPower staff member, Mr. Anya Charles Uzonna, who was on official duty at the time of the attack. The statement noted that the victim was physically assaulted and subjected to severe beating, resulting in injuries that caused him to lose consciousness at the scene.
Further details contained in the statement indicated that the prosecution, led by the State Commissioner of Police, filed a five-count charge against the defendants, bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, malicious damage to property, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, and illegal connection to electricity supply, contrary to the Criminal Code Laws of Anambra State.
The Company revealed that the accused persons were specifically alleged to have conspired to attack the electricity worker, inflicted bodily harm on him during the execution of his official responsibilities, and damaged his personal belongings, including a mobile phone and power bank valued at ₦170,000. They were also accused of involvement in unlawful electricity connection and related infractions.
According to Okafor, when the charges were read before the court, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against them.
He added that the presiding Chief Magistrate, His Worship Magistrate Lawrence Uzuodu, subsequently granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦800,000 each, with one surety each, while adjourning the matter to April 30, 2026, for further hearing.
According to the statement, in his reaction to the development, the Managing Director of FirstPower, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its swift investigation and diligent prosecution of the case. He emphasized that acts of violence against electricity workers constitute serious criminal offences and undermine the delivery of essential public services.
The MD reiterated the Company’s resolve to continue working closely with security agencies to ensure that individuals involved in assault, vandalism, illegal connections, and other forms of interference with electricity infrastructure are held accountable under the law.
He also urged customers and members of the public to channel any complaints or grievances through lawful and established dispute resolution mechanisms, rather than resorting to violence or obstruction of personnel carrying out legitimate duties. He stressed that the safety and dignity of FirstPower personnel remain a top priority for the Company.
“FirstPower remains committed to delivering quality and efficient services to Ndị Anambra, but its personnel must also be treated with dignity as a human being,” Okafor concluded.
