Two men have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, over alleged conspiracy, meter tampering and illegal electricity vending.
The suspects, identified as Babatunde (46) and Akin (40), were apprehended following a complaint involving a faulty prepaid meter belonging to a customer of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
According to the NSCDC spokesperson in the state, ASCI Kehinde Adeleke, the customer had been unable to load electricity units due to a malfunctioning prepaid meter and subsequently contacted Babatunde, an electrician, to resolve the issue. Babatunde reportedly enlisted the assistance of Akin, a former IBEDC staff member, after he was unable to fix the problem.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the meter was unlawfully formatted and 200 electricity units were allegedly credited without payment. The irregularity was later detected by IBEDC during routine monitoring and reported to the NSCDC for further action.
The Osun State Commandant of the Corps, Igbalawole Sotiyo, condemned the act, describing meter tampering and electricity infrastructure sabotage as criminal offences that undermine the power sector. He disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Sotiyo also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to electricity infrastructure, stressing that the Corps remains committed to protecting critical national assets.