A Magistrate Court in Lokoja, Kogi State has convicted two persons for energy theft and meter tampering.
The Magistrate Court 7 Lokoja, designated as “The Special Court”, passed the sentences in separate judgements it delivered on Wednesday, 6th August 2026.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Head, Public Affairs, Kogi Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), Alhaji Ali Atabor.
According to him, the court, presided over by Magistrate Josephine Oyiza Ajagu Abedo, was set up by the Kogi State Government to handle electricity-related offences under the Kogi State Electricity Law, 2024.
In the first case, The State vs Umar Faruk with case number CMCL/C/23/2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of meter tampering and energy theft contrary to sections 106(1)(d) and 109(c) of the Kogi State Electricity Law, 2024.
The court sentenced him to 3 months imprisonment with an option of fine on the first count, and 6 months imprisonment also with an option of fine on the second count.
Umar Faruk was also ordered to pay all outstanding energy bills standing against his name to the Kogi Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL) .
In the second case, The State vs Umar Abdulmumin with case number CMCL/C/22/2026, the defendant also pleaded guilty to energy theft.
The court was informed that the defendant secretly moving out of his former apartment when he was arrested and charged to court.
He was convicted and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment with an option of fine.
Like Faruk, Umar Abdulmumin was ordered to pay all outstanding KEDL bills against his name.
Prosecuting counsel, O. Babatimehin, A.M Idris-Aduku and M.U Ibrahim appeared for the state in both cases.
Speaking after the judgements, legal observers noted that the convictions signaled the state government’s resolve to clamp down on energy theft and protect the integrity of the nascent electricity market in Kogi.
The establishment of the Special Court is part of Kogi State Government efforts to reduce energy losses, improve revenue collection, protect energy infrastructure & investments and to ensure consumers pay for what they consume.
For the protection of Consumers, KERC has established Forum office at its Headquarters to resolve consumers complaints on over billing and any other energy related issues against the service provider.
The court warned that anyone caught engaging in energy theft, meter bypass or tampering will face the full weight of the law.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
