Ondo Gov't set-up special court to tackle electricity theft, meter bypass

The Ondo State Government has established a special offences court dedicated to prosecuting electricity theft, meter bypassing, vandalism and other power-related crimes across the state.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, disclosed this in Akure on Monday.

According to the Commissioner, the Court created by the state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola had already commenced operations.

Alabi said the new court reinforces the state’s zero tolerance stance on electricity offences, warning residents against illegal connections and other violations of the state’s power sector laws.

“To prosecute electricity offenders across the state, the special offences court began operations about a week ago. Electricity theft is a criminal offence, and anyone who violates the law will face immediate prosecution,”he said.

He also revealed that the government had procured 50,000 smart meters for immediate distribution to households, stressing that reliable electricity supply depends on both metering and strict enforcement.

According to him, the meters will be monitored remotely from the ministry headquarters, enabling authorities to detect tampering and illegal connections in real time.

Alabi further addressed the widespread practice of communities purchasing transformers and electric poles using their own funds, describing it as an “aberration.”

“It is not ideal for consumers to buy poles or transformers. The electricity business is privatized, so distribution companies should provide infrastructure,” he explained.

“However, due to current realities, government has been assisting communities and will continue to procure transformers as part of its obligation to the people.”

He urged residents to channel requests for electricity infrastructure through the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau for intervention.