Suspected vandal electrocuted while tampering with high-tension wires in Rivers
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) has confirmed the death of a suspected vandal, identified as Khalifa, who was electrocuted during an attempt to interfere with high-tension power infrastructure in the Oginigba area of Port Harcourt.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 24, 2026, when the suspect reportedly attempted to remove critical components from the facility.
According to PHED’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, the deceased, who was in his late twenties, died instantly after disconnecting a pot insulator from a high-tension pole.
Power was reportedly restored to the line while the suspect was still engaged in the act, leading to his immediate electrocution.
Ilevbare described the development as a tragic reminder of the extreme dangers associated with tampering with electricity installations.
The distribution company emphasized that vandalism remains a significant challenge that affects both the utility provider and its consumers. PHED noted that such criminal activities often lead to widespread blackouts and severe service disruptions for communities.
The company expressed hope that this unfortunate incident would serve as a deterrent to others involved in the theft of power equipment, reminding the public that such offenses carry stiff legal penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
EFCC arraigns Company for alleged illegal rebroadcast of Multichoice content
The Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Communication Company, Metro Digital Limited for offences bordering on cybercrime and alleged unlawful interception and rebroadcast of Multichoice Nigeria Limited content.
The company was arraigned before Justice A.T Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking, the EFCC Prosecution counsel, Steve Odiase informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment, however, Defence counsel, S.A. Somairi, SAN, tried to stop the arraignment by informing the court of a preliminary objection, however, the judge refused and ordered the plea to be taken in line with Section 478 of ACJA 2015, which states that ” where a corporation is called upon to plead to any charge or information framed under the provisions of this Act or charge or information added to or altered under the provisions of this Act, it may enter in writing by its representative a plea of guilty or not guilty”
The company was arraigned on an amended four-count charge.
Count one of the charges reads; “That you Metro Digital Limited(RC NO.501134), Ifeanyi John Nwafor being the Managing Director of Metro Digital Limited (RC NO. 501134) (at large) and Ikenna Kanu, being a member of staff of Metro Digital Limited (RC NO. 501134) (at large), between 2015 and 2019, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: unlawful interceptions and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) act, 2015 and punishable under Section … (1) of the same Act.”
Another count reads; “That you Metro Digital Limited(RC NO.501134), Ifeanyi John Nwafor being the Managing Director of Metro Digital Limited (RC NO. 501134) (at large) and Ikenna Kanu, being a member of staff of Metro Digital Limited (RC NO. 501134) (at large), on or about 16th day of August, 2019, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did intentionally and without authorization, intercept by technical means and rebroadcast tiger boxes, Dongles, etc., over which Multichoice Nigeria Limited have exclusive rights in Sub-saharan Africa and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) act, 2015 and punishable under Section .12 (1) of the same Act.”
The charges say the company and some of its staff worked together between 2015 and 2019 to illegally access and rebroadcast multichoice content without permission.
Metro Digital Limited, through its representative, pleaded “not guilty” to all the four- count charges.
In view of the plea of “not guilty”, Odiase prayed the court for a trial date.
Justice Mohammed therefore adjourned the matter to June 29 & 30, 2026 for continuation of trial.
Investigations of the case started after Multichoice reported the matter to the EFCC in 2019, claiming that illegal broadcast of its content caused it major financial losses.