The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun command, said it arrested at least 100 persons for alleged energy theft within seven months in different parts of the state.

The NSCDC state commandant, Sunday Agboola, said that the suspects were arrested during a joint operation of the command and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

Mr Agboola said this on Monday at the NSCDC Headquarters when he paraded seven persons also arrested by the command for alleged energy theft.

He said that the seven suspects were arrested on October 13 in Awosuru, Alekuwodo, Jaleyemi, Omigbade, and Ogo-Oluwa areas of Osogbo.

According to him, the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime.

He said that it was surprising that, despite the several arrests made by the command, some people were still hell-bent on the illegal act.

“The offence is known as economic sabotage, and it is one of the factors militating against the development of the nation.

“We will not rest on our oars until we see positive changes,” he said.

Commenting on the arrest of the 100 suspects, the Ibadan Electricity communication officer for Osun region, Kikelomo Owoeye, said that the suspects were arrested between April and October.

According to her, energy theft had to do with meter bypassing, meter tampering, and illegal connections.

“This is illegal and also a criminal offence.

“In the last seven months, we have been able to arrest 100 suspects for energy theft, and some of them are already facing prosecution in court.

“When people connect to our grid illegally, it will affect our genuine customers, and as for the electricity we are buying, we will not have the revenue to actually pay for our market operators.

“It is economic sabotage, and it is affecting businesses, communities, and other customers.

“We appeal to residents to desist from stealing our energy.

“If they keep doing that, we will not remain in business, and it will affect society at large because it is economic sabotage,” Mr Owoeye said.

(NAN)