‎The Ondo State Government on Monday said it had created a special offences court to prosecute electricity thieves or anybody who commits power-related offences across the state.

The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi, disclosed this in his office in Akure, the state capital on Monday..

‎Alabi explained that the court was created by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to fast-track cases relating to illegal connections, meter bypassing, vandalism, and other violations of the state’s electricity laws.

‎According to him, the new court signalled a zero-tolerance approach to electricity theft, warning to desist from electricity crime as the culprit would face immediate prosecution.

He said, “The special offences court is meant to prosecute electricity offenders across the state. It began operations about a week ago and was established by the Chief Judge of Ondo State.

‎”We want to appeal to residents and inform them that electricity theft is a criminal offence. Anyone who violates the Ondo State power sector law will be prosecuted.”

‎Alabi further revealed that, to avoid electricity crimes, the state government had procured 50,000 smart meters, which were ready for distribution to residents, noting that smart metering and strict enforcement must go hand-in-hand to build a reliable electricity distribution system.

‎”For this purpose, we have acquired 50,000 meters for immediate deployment and distribution,” he stated

‎The commissioner further explained that the newly acquired meters would be monitored remotely from the ministry headquarters, enabling authorities to detect tampering or illegal connections in real time.

‎He also addressed concerns about local communities funding their own transformers and electric poles, describing the practice as an “aberration”.

‎”‎Residents were advised to report infrastructural needs through formal channels rather than spending their own money and later signing away ownership to electricity distribution companies.

‎”Ordinarily, it is not ideal for consumers to buy electric poles or transformers. It is not normal; it is an aberration. However, the situation we have found ourselves in has pushed us to that point.

‎‎”The Ondo State Government, in time past and even now, is still assisting local communities to procure transformers and install electric poles. We are still involved in electricity expansion projects in some communities. The government has reiterated its plan to acquire transformers for community service, not because it is strictly our responsibility, but as part of our obligation to the people.

‎‎”The electricity business has been privatized, so the power distribution company is supposed to handle these things. We continue to tell people: if you are in need, write to the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau. They will intervene,” Alabi stressed. (The PUNCH)