From John Dike, Osogbo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Osun State Command, has arrested nine suspects for alledgedly tampering with meters in their residences to circumvent appropriate payment for energy consumed.

The suspects were arrested at Owode along Ilesa road in Osun state,during a joint task force (NSCDC) Osun State Command and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC)

The Osun NSCDC boss, Commandant Agboola Sunday, revealed that nine (9) suspects were caught in the act, eight (8) males and one (1) female.

“The Command has a stong synergy with IBEDC, our personnel went on a joint task force operation with the company, round Osogbo in search of those manipulating meters in the state.

“It is not going to be business as usual as the command is ready to put a stop to this act,” Osun NSCDC boss said.

He stated further that energy theft, vandalism and other vices are major setbacks mitigating the development of the country.

Agboola noted that: ‘’We shall leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators of energy theft to book, NSCDC will keep arresting those people to serve as deterrent to those engaging in criminal infractions such as vandalism, bypass, illegal connection, load diversion among others”.

He urged members of the public to be part of continuing efforts aimed at safeguarding critical national assets in their neighbourhood by reporting the activities of vandals and saboteurs to nearest NSCDC in their environment.

According to the NSCDC boss, the suspects had made confessional statements admitting the commission of the theft.

The suspects would be charged to court after conclusion of investigation.

Agboola however, warned non-staff of IBEDC to steer clear of power installations whom under the guise of maintenance encroach on these facilities.