The Imo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that workers at the Egbu Transmission Substation in Owerri were abducted or held hostage.
Rumours had spread on Saturday that some operators at the facility were seized, but the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said in a statement on Sunday that it was simply an operational dispute between the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company.
According to him, “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to launch a full scale investigation to ascertain the remote and immediate circumstances surrounding the incident reported at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation on 15/11/2025.”
He added that initial checks showed no proof that any personnel of the National Integrated Power Transmission Company or the Transmission Company of Nigeria were abducted or forced to disconnect equipment.
DSP Okoye said, “Current findings indicate that the situation stems from an operational disagreement involving the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company, which the Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission was present to resolve. The investigation will establish all facts objectively.”
The Command said it has taken control of the situation and put measures in place to keep the facility safe.
The statement added, “In synergy with the Imo State Government, the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that TCN and NISO operators and all electricity personnel carry out their duties safely, professionally, and without intimidation. Measures have also been taken to prevent any future occurrence and to safeguard critical infrastructure across the state.”
