Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) is intensifying its fight against energy theft, recording over 8,000 cases of illegal activities such as meter bypass and tampering in the first 10 months of 2024. These incidents have led to significant financial losses, amounting to hundreds of millions of naira.

In a statement issued on November 26, 2024, IBEDC confirmed its ongoing collaboration with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPETO). This partnership is aimed at strengthening the company’s ability to detect and prosecute energy theft across its network.

Francis Agoha, IBEDC’s Acting Managing Director, reiterated the company’s firm stance against energy theft, stating that anyone caught engaging in such activities would face severe consequences. He emphasized that the losses caused by energy theft are not only financial but also impact the company’s ability to deliver reliable electricity to its customers.

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“Our collaboration with SIPETO plays a critical role in improving our detection capabilities and ensuring offenders are held accountable,” Agoha said. “Energy theft harms the integrity of our operations and prevents us from providing the quality service our customers deserve.”

Between January and October 2024, IBEDC reported more than 8,000 cases, with the most common offences being meter tampering and bypassing. These actions have deprived the company of vital resources, making it harder to maintain and improve service delivery.

IBEDC is calling on customers to refrain from engaging in energy theft and has warned of the serious legal repercussions under the Electricity Act, which could include imprisonment. The company also reassured the public that SIPETO patrols are active and investigating all reported cases.