NSCDC Detains Electrician and Ex-IBEDC Employee for Meter Manipulation and Illegal Vending in Osun

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Osun State, has detained two suspects involved in alleged meter tampering and illegal electricity vending.

The NSCDC spokesperson for the state, ASCI Kehinde Adeleke, announced the arrests on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The individuals, identified as 46-year-old Babatunde and 40-year-old Akin, were apprehended following a complaint tied to fraudulent activities concerning a prepaid electricity meter of a customer from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

According to State Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo, the situation was reported after a customer claimed that his prepaid meter malfunctioned, hindering him from loading electricity recharge units.

The customer subsequently sought the assistance of Babatunde, an electrician, who assured him of a solution.

Further investigations indicated that Babatunde was unable to repair the meter and enlisted Akin, a former employee of IBEDC, for help.

In his confession, Babatunde admitted to unlawfully manipulating the meter, stating that 200 units of electricity were fraudulently made to appear on the meter without any payment made.

This illicit activity was uncovered by IBEDC during its routine checks, leading the company to inform the NSCDC Osun State Command for further investigation and appropriate action.

Commandant Sotiyo cautioned electricians and other technical professionals against any form of tampering with meters, illegal electricity vending, or any activities that could undermine the country's critical infrastructure.

He reaffirmed the Corps' commitment to safeguarding essential national assets and utilities, including power installations, and stated they would take legal action against offenders.

Sotiyo also promised that the suspects would face prosecution after investigations are complete and encouraged the public to report any suspicious behavior related to electricity meters and public infrastructure to the nearest NSCDC office.