The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has secured arrest of one Mrs. Adebola Arowona in Ibadan, over alleged assault of its staff and vandalisation of the company’s operational vehicle.
IBEDC said the arrest followed its intensified crackdown on offenders of energy theft, vandalism, attacks on its personnel, and initiating prosecution against offenders across its franchise.
A statement by the company confirmed that legal action has commenced against Mrs. Arowona for the act.
According to the statement: “IBEDC officials were carrying out a routine inspection at Mrs. Arowona’s premises on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when clear evidence of meter tampering and energy theft was discovered.
“Mrs. Arowona, assisted by a middle-aged man believed to be her husband, allegedly resisted disconnection and turned violent, shoving an IBEDC staff off a ladder and delivering a slap to another official.
“A viral video of the incident showed part of the confrontation, including the moment Mrs. Arowona picked up a stone and smashed the windscreen of the company’s Hilux vehicle.
READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure
“She has since been arrested and is being charged to court, while the man suspected to be her husband is currently wanted 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.”
In a related development, IBEDC, in collaboration with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), has also concluded arrangements to prosecute several cases of energy theft across its network.
“These cases have been scheduled for hearing in various courts within the IBEDC franchise area.”
The company expressed deep concerns over the escalating incidents of energy theft, vandalism, and assaults on its workforce, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on all illegal activities targeting its network and personnel.
IBEDC however emphasised the need for stronger community cooperation in combating the menace.
The company reiterated its commitment towards working with security agencies and community stakeholders to identify, apprehend, and prosecute offenders, while continuing to invest in initiatives that strengthen its infrastructure and improve service delivery across its coverage area.