The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, on Monday, paraded a private school teacher, identified simply as John and five others, for allegedly tampering with electricity meters in a bid to use energy without paying commensurate amount.
Other suspects paraded include Jaye Abayomi, Abidemi Enoch, Jackson Imukodro, Adeleke Fatimah and Azeez Mutiu.
Presenting the suspects to journalists at the NSCDC Osun State command headquarters, the Commandant, Mr. Sunday Agboola, said the suspects were arrested in Awosuru, Alekuwodo, Jaleyemi, Ogo Oluwa and Omigade area – all located within Osogbo metropolis.
The NSCDC boss added that the suspects were arrested during a joint operation by his men and officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on October 13, 2023.
Agboola who noted a series of arrests made to deter the public from energy theft, lamented that many people in the state still engage in the act.
He said, “The command is dismayed. Despite several arrests made to deter the public from embarking on this illegal act, some have bluntly refused to desist from this act.
“NSDC will not rest on its oars until we see positive change in our state. After an investigation has been completed, these suspects will be taken to court.”
Speaking, John admitted engaging in meter bypass, saying “Our terminal got spoilt and we have an agent who usually loads our matter directly for us but the person wasn’t available on Friday to load it for us that was why I decided to bypass it.” (The PUNCH)
