Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, has handed over one of its staff involved in energy theft, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for prosecution.
The suspect, Elvis Emmanuel, who is a linesman and staff of PHED since 2018, was caught in the act by citizens in Sani Abacha Road axis of GRA in Port Harcourt.
The suspect who admitted committing the crime, said he was called by his brother to illegally reconnect a disconnected cable on an electricity pole.
According to him, “The incident happened in Sani Abacha road, my brother asked me to help him hang a wire. I have not even finished hanging the wire when I was accosted.
“I have never engaged in any illegality, this is the first time since I joined the company.”
Confirming the development, PHED Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr John Onyi, said the staff was caught in the act of illegally transferring energy from one customer to another.
Onyi described the incident as unfortunate, despite repeated warning from the management, disclosing that the management was doing everything to fish out bad eggs in the company.
He warned customers to stop inducing its men on the field, while also warning its staff members against any form of inducement from customers.
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“Yes, I can confirm to you that one of our staff was arrested and handed over to EFCC for economic sabotage, arising from energy theft.
“This is the war that the present management has declared on energy theft and corruption. We are not leaving any stone unturned until the battle is won.”
