Nigeria Seeks EFCC Prosecution of Electricity Vandals, Energy Thieves

Nigeria's Ministry of Power has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to help prosecute criminals who vandalise electrical infrastructure and steal energy across the country.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, made this request during an official visit to the EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The minister explained that his ministry lacks the legal right to take offenders to court. He noted that criminal actions, including the theft of transmission tower parts and unpaid power bills, cause the nation to lose billions of naira every year.

To stop these losses, the minister requested the anti-corruption agency to step in, investigate offenders, and handle court prosecutions.

The delegation also addressed ongoing delays in state infrastructure projects. Tegbe thanked the commission for intervening in a legal dispute that previously halted progress on the 215-Megawatt Kudendan Power Plant project located in Kaduna State.

Prosecuting asset thieves and bill dodgers

During the meeting, Tegbe outlined the specific crimes currently damaging the national electricity supply network. He noted that individuals continue to steal public property, including manhole covers and metal items that hold up electricity towers.

"There are two areas where we need your intervention. One area is vandalism. There is a lot of vandalism going on in this country. People are stealing manhole covers and other valuables," Tegbe said.

"The vandalisation is affecting our towers. The president has charged us to create awareness and also prosecute people (those stealing and buying) but we do not have the power to prosecute offenders. We can only report to you. They can be arrested and prosecuted. We believe the Commission can help us in that area. We need to collaborate," he added.

The minister stated that electricity theft by corporate entities creates an equally serious financial drain on the network.

"The second area is energy theft. Companies that have access to power do not pay electricity bills. We are losing billions annually. We need your intervention," Tegbe said.

Tegbe praised Olukoyede for his record in investigating financial crimes and recovering stolen assets, calling his approach bold and ambitious.

The minister stated that a joint effort between both institutions will help curb criminal activities and improve the country's electricity supply.

Anti-graft agency promises project audits

In his response, Olukoyede agreed to partner with the ministry, classifying energy theft and asset destruction as revenue fraud and acts of economic sabotage.

The EFCC boss promised to establish preventive measures that will safeguard public funds across all government energy developments.

"We are ready to work with you particularly in the area of incorporating Fraud Risk Assessment and Control to all your projects; both the abandoned ones and the new ones coming up. We will set up a team to analyse and audit some of the projects," Olukoyede said.

The EFCC chief assured the visiting team that officers will monitor active construction sites directly to protect public funds. He stated that the commission must not wait until money goes missing on sensitive government assignments, promising that standard operations will change going forward.