The Ondo State Government has announced the creation of a special offences court dedicated to prosecuting electricity-related crimes, including power theft, meter bypassing, vandalism and other violations of the state’s electricity regulations.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in his office in Akure.
Alabi stated that the court was established by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to ensure speedy handling of power-related cases and to reinforce the state’s zero-tolerance stance toward electricity theft.
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.”
The commissioner revealed that the state had procured 50,000 smart meters to curb illegal electricity practices, explaining that transparency in metering and strict enforcement are essential to maintaining a stable and trustworthy electricity distribution system.
“For this purpose, we have acquired 50,000 meters for immediate deployment and distribution,” he stated.
Alabi added that the smart meters would be monitored remotely from the ministry headquarters, enabling authorities to detect tampering or illegal connections instantly.
Addressing ongoing concerns about communities funding their own transformers and electric poles, the commissioner described the practice as an “aberration”.
“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.
“The Ondo State Government, in time past and even now, is still assisting local communities to procure transformers and install electric poles. We are still involved in electricity expansion projects in some communities. The government has reiterated its plan to acquire transformers for community service, not because it is strictly our responsibility, but as part of our obligation to the people.
“The electricity business has been privatized, so the power distribution company is supposed to handle these things. We continue to tell people: if you are in need, write to the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau. They will intervene,” Alabi stressed.
