The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has intensified its enforcement campaign against energy theft, vandalism, and assaults on its personnel, securing arrests and initiating judicial action against offenders across its operational network.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the company confirmed that prosecution has commenced against Mrs. Adebola Arowona of Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, for allegedly attacking an IBEDC staff member and vandalising one of the company’s operational vehicles.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when IBEDC officials visited Mrs. Arowona’s residence for a routine inspection and reportedly uncovered clear evidence of meter tampering and energy theft. The officials were said to have met stiff resistance as the woman, assisted by a man believed to be her husband, allegedly attempted to prevent disconnection.
During the confrontation, Mrs. Arowona reportedly shoved an IBEDC employee off a ladder and slapped another. A viral video capturing parts of the altercation also showed her picking up a stone and smashing the windscreen of the company’s Hilux vehicle. She has since been arrested and charged, while the man suspected to be her husband is currently at large and being sought by the police.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the culprit is prosecuted. We intend to pursue this case to its logical conclusion to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement said.
In a separate development, IBEDC disclosed that, in collaboration with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), it has finalised arrangements to prosecute multiple cases of energy theft across its franchise area. Those scheduled for prosecution in the Osun region include Adesanya Nurudeen, Afiz Jimoh, Twins Innovatives Services, D.C. Hotel & Suites, Pick & Go Supermarket, Easy Mummy Eatery, Platinum & Embassy Hospital, Beehive Automobile, LADSOL Ventures, Forever Energy and G-Unit Hotel.
The company noted that these and other cases have already been listed for hearing in various courts within the IBEDC network.
IBEDC expressed concern over the rising incidents of energy theft, vandalism, and violent attacks on its personnel, stressing its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal actions that undermine electricity infrastructure and endanger staff.
It reiterated the need for stronger collaboration with communities to curb these crimes, affirming its commitment to work with security agencies and local stakeholders to identify, arrest, and prosecute offenders. The company added that it will continue to invest in measures aimed at strengthening its infrastructure and improving service delivery across its coverage area.
