Ondo sets up special court to tackle electricity theft

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Government has inaugurated a special offences court to prosecute electricity-related crimes across the state.

The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, announced the development at his office in Akure on Monday.

Alabi explained that the court was created by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to fast-track cases involving illegal connections, meter bypassing, vandalism, and other violations of state electricity laws.

He said, “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.”

Alabi also revealed that the government had procured 50,000 smart meters ready for distribution to residents, noting that remote monitoring would allow authorities to detect tampering or illegal connections in real time.

‎”‎Residents were advised to report infrastructural needs through formal channels rather than spending their own money and later signing away ownership to electricity distribution companies.

‎”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,” Alabi said.