The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has issued a stern warning, outlining severe legal consequences for electricity offenses, with possible imprisonment of up to three years for acts such as meter bypass and electricity theft.
In an official press statement, the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc disclosed its collaboration with the Ministry of Justice to establish a Joint Taskforce named the Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offenses (SIPTEO). This task force is dedicated to prosecuting individuals engaged in various electricity offenses, including vandalism, energy theft, meter bypass, hooking, tapping, and all related violations.
The penalties for these offenses are clearly defined:
- Vandalism: Theft of electricity lines and materials – Penalty is 3-5 years imprisonment.
- Energy Theft: Meter tampering, bypass, hooking, tapping, intentional damage of electricity infrastructure – Penalty is 6 months to 3 years imprisonment.
- Receiving Stolen Electricity Materials: Considered a felony with a maximum sentence of 14 years.
- Obstruction of JED PLC Staff: Preventing them from carrying out their duties – Penalty is a jail term of 6 years and a fine of N2 million.
The announcement emphasizes that anyone caught engaging in these acts will be prosecuted according to the law. The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc is sending a clear message to the public to adhere to legal and ethical standards when it comes to electricity usage and infrastructure, underlining the seriousness of these offenses and the potential legal consequences.