Two women, Mrs. Bright Isibor and Mrs. Evelyn Eriamator, are currently cooling off at the Edo state Police Command headquarters’ cell for allegedly bypassing prepaid electricity meters in Benin City.
The women were said to have committed the infraction at their business premises around Ekiosa market between 3rd Circular and 2nd East Circular roads.
The women were reportedly apprehended on Friday by a combined team of police personnel and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
The team had gone round the Benin metropolis in search of electricity thieves.
The Corporate Communications Officer of the DisCo, Mrs. Evelyn Gbiwen, said the exercise was to ensure that all revenue comes to the company’s treasury.
She said, “We just went on a drive to make sure that those people who engage in criminal infractions on BEDC meters are brought to book. We made a petition to the Commissioner of Police and within 48 hours he approved. We want to keep on arresting these people to serve at a deterrent to those who are engaging in criminal infractions such as bypass illegal connection, load diversion and others.
“We have just started; over the next few weeks no fewer than 14 people will be arrested and prosecuted, we have already identified them. The issue of infractions is not only for customers. Our searchlight is also on the staff; as you can see we have our anti-corruption numbers everywhere for people to call.”
