Ondo Adopts Harsh Measure Against Electricity Theft & Meter Bypass

All Ondo residents used to indulging in electricity theft and meter bypass now walk a very tight rope. This is on account of a latest move by the administration to stop the crime.

It has created a special offences court to prosecute all who indulge in electricity theft as well as other electricity-related offences across the state.

The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, disclosed this in his office in Akure, the state capital on Monday..

‎He said Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, created the special offences court to fast-track related cases.

He listed offences covered by the latest move to include:

i. illegal connections

ii. meter bypassing,vandalism,

iii. other violations of the state’s electricity laws.

The creation of the court is a way of underscoring the state government’s ‎ zero-tolerance approach to electricity theft, he said.

Those who fail to desist, he added, should be ready for prosecution.

“The special offences court is meant to prosecute electricity offenders across the state. It began operations about a week ago and was established by the Chief Judge of Ondo State.

‎”We want to appeal to residents and inform them that electricity theft is a criminal offence. Anyone who violates the Ondo State power sector law will be prosecuted.”

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He said the state government had procured 50,000 smart meters, which were ready for distribution to residents, noting that smart metering and strict enforcement must go hand-in-hand to build a reliable electricity distribution system.

‎The commissioner further explained that the newly acquired meters would be monitored remotely from the ministry headquarters, enabling authorities to detect tampering or illegal connections in real time.

‎On the issue of individuals and communities buying meters, the commissioner stated:

‎”Ordinarily, it is not ideal for consumers to buy electric poles or transformers. It is not normal; it is an aberration.

“However, the situation we have found ourselves in has pushed us to that point.

‎‎”The Ondo State Government, in time past and even now, is still assisting local communities to procure transformers and install electric poles.

“We are still involved in electricity expansion projects in some communities. The government has reiterated its plan to acquire transformers for community service, not because it is strictly our responsibility, but as part of our obligation to the people”, he stated.