Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba, Delta State, have arrested a man in connection with what security officials describe as a sophisticated and unlawful metering diversion and resale racket that undermined a federal government initiative to provide free electricity meters to eligible consumers. The arrest comes amid growing concerns over transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly the ongoing efforts to close the country’s persistent metering gap and eliminate estimated billing.
The suspect, identified as Aliu Junior Fayemi, was taken into custody after DSS operatives acting on credible intelligence uncovered his involvement in diverting electricity meters meant for free distribution under the federal government’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP). Under the DISREP framework, prepaid meters are supposed to be provided at no cost to eligible households and small businesses, with the aim of ensuring accurate billing based on consumption rather than estimated usage. Instead of installing the meters for their intended beneficiaries, Fayemi allegedly sold them to private individuals in Asaba for large sums of money, according to sources close to the investigation.
During interrogation, investigators reportedly found that Fayemi sold a single‑phase electricity meter for approximately ₦145,000 and a three‑phase meter for about ₦250,000 – figures that starkly contrast with the zero cost mandated for meters under the DISREP scheme. The difference between the official policy and the prices charged by the accused has sparked outrage among consumer groups and energy stakeholders, who argue that such schemes create fertile ground for exploitation and corruption within the electricity distribution value chain.
Authorities say Fayemi’s arrest followed a painstaking intelligence‑led operation by the DSS Delta Command after a formal complaint from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). The company had raised the alarm about missing metering units originally designated for installation across its service area in Asaba and nearby communities. Investigators say several meters were illegally diverted before they reached the households for which they were intended, and when recovered from private buyers they were found to be operational and installed outside official channels.
The Regional Head of BEDC in Asaba, Gboyega Agunlejika, confirmed that the meters diverted from official supply lines have now been retrieved from the buyers as part of coordinated recovery efforts. He explained that the process of recovering each unit involved tracking and identifying the recipients of the unlawfully sold meters, underscoring the challenges faced by electricity firms in safeguarding distribution assets. Agunlejika also noted that the matter has now been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with Nigeria’s extant laws.
In public statements following the arrest, BEDC’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Lawani, urged all consumers to desist from engaging intermediaries or private individuals in procuring meters under the free rollout schemes. He reiterated that the only legitimate fee‑based meter acquisition process is through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme, where consumers can voluntarily pay for meters but only through official applications and payments processed via the electricity distribution company’s approved channels. Under MAP, the cost of the meter and installation is borne by the customer, but all transactions are recorded in formal systems designed to prevent fraud and protect consumer rights.
Lawani emphasised that all other metering initiatives, including the Meter Asset Fund (MAF) and the free DISREP rollout, do not require customers to pay for the meters themselves. “Customers should not pay anyone for what is supposed to be free under this policy,” he said, warning that individuals who divert or sell these meters will be held accountable under the law. The warning reflects wider frustration in Nigeria’s power sector over fraudulent activities that have long plagued infrastructure rollouts and undermined policy objectives.
Energy sector analysts say the arrest has sent a strong message that authorities are stepping up enforcement against misconduct and illegal profiteering. For years, distribution companies, regulators and consumer advocates have grappled with the meteoric rise in unmetered electricity consumption and estimated billing practices that charge customers based on assumptions rather than actual usage. The government’s metering drive, particularly through the DISREP initiative, is seen as a crucial step toward modernising the sector, improving revenue collection, and restoring consumer confidence.
However, implementation challenges have persisted, ranging from logistical bottlenecks in meter production and deployment, to allegations of corruption, diversion of equipment, and exploitation by third parties. Observers point out that although the metering gap has narrowed in recent years, millions of Nigerian households still lack dedicated prepaid meters, leaving them susceptible to opaque billing and occasional disputes over charges. This has fuelled demand for meters on the informal market, creating an environment where unscrupulous actors can profit by selling devices meant to be freely distributed.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has repeatedly called for stronger accountability mechanisms and transparent deployment records to ensure that federal investments in metering reach legitimate customers. Consumer advocacy groups have also urged enhanced reporting channels and protections for whistle‑blowers to help identify and prevent abuses. In the case of Fayemi, sources say investigators are exploring whether he acted alone or as part of a wider network, with potential implications for other individuals who might be complicit in meter diversion and resale.
Delta State authorities have indicated their willingness to collaborate with federal agencies to clamp down on similar offences. Law enforcement officials say they will pursue not only those who diverted the meters originally, but also anyone who participated in their unlawful resale, citing relevant statutes in criminal and energy sector legislation that govern fraud, theft, and tampering with utility infrastructure. Legal experts say successful prosecution in such cases could serve as a deterrent, reinforcing the rule of law and protecting public resources.
The outcome of the legal process will be closely watched by investors, consumer groups and policymakers who see this case as a potential turning point in the fight against corruption in Nigeria’s power sector. By holding individuals and organisations accountable for illicit activities tied to metering, stakeholders hope to strengthen faith in government programmes and accelerate efforts to achieve reliable, fairly billed electricity for all citizens.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on concluding the current probe, completing the handover to the police, and initiating formal legal proceedings against Fayemi and any co‑conspirators. The broader debate over access to electricity, equitable billing and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s power sector is likely to intensify as the government pushes ahead with reforms aimed at closing the metering gap and improving service delivery for millions of consumers.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments