In Onitsha, Anambra State, an ex-employee of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) was apprehended last week for allegedly tampering with and bypassing prepaid meters for customers. The suspect, Lawrence Okeke, was known for replacing original meter sensors with counterfeit ones, resulting in inaccurate consumption records and significant revenue losses for EEDC.
Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, disclosed this incident on Thursday in Enugu. Acting on a tip-off from a whistleblower, EEDC’s Meter Monitoring Team conducted an inspection in several locations. During a routine check at a customer’s premises on Bida Road, Onitsha, the team discovered a tampered meter with a fake sensor installed.
Upon questioning, the customer confessed and identified Lawrence Okeke as the perpetrator. Okeke, a former EEDC employee dismissed in December 2020 for gross misconduct, was promptly tracked and arrested. He is currently assisting the Central Police Station, Onitsha, with their investigations.
Ezeh emphasized that this arrest marks a significant milestone in EEDC’s ongoing battle against meter bypassing and energy theft. He expressed confidence that the investigation would reveal further infractions committed by individuals like Okeke.
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Ezeh issued a stern warning to customers involved in meter bypassing to cease such activities, as EEDC has intensified its monitoring efforts. He also cautioned against engaging with individuals posing as EEDC staff, noting that some ex-employees continue to exploit customers by performing illegal activities.
Ezeh commended the whistleblower for their crucial role in the arrest and encouraged other customers to report suspected cases of meter tampering and energy theft. Reports can be made through EEDC’s whistleblowing platforms at 08146026678 or via email at ethics@enugudisco.com, with assurances of confidentiality.
