Two Persons Arraigned In Osun For Bypassing Electricity Meter

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Two persons have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State Capital, for allegedly bypassing meter installed by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The Suspects were also charged for allegedly assaulting an official of IBEDC while performing his lawful duty.

The accused persons, Chinonso Okeke and Toyin Ibitoye, were said to have committed the offence at about 12:30pm on May 11 at Agunbelewo area of Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

It was gathered that Okeke and Ibitoye who are residents of No 38, New Jerusalem Church Area, Agunbelewo by-passed their prepaid meter and were disconnected for such by the Distribution Company.

Okeke, who is a motor spare parts dealer in Osogbo, allegedly went to the IBEDC Agunbelewo service center and beat one Mr Folarin Akintayo in his office.

The duo were arraigned before Magistrate Segun Ayilara on Thursday.

The charge sheet against the accused persons reads, “That you Chinonso Okeke, Male, Christian, 30 years of No. 38, New Jerusalem Church Area, Agunbelewo, Osogbo, Osun State and Mrs. Ibitoye Toyin, Female, Christian, 45 years of No. 38, New Jerusalem Church Area, Agunbelewo, Osogbo, Osun State on the 11th of May, 2020 in the Osogbo Magisterial district did conspire to commit a felony to wit: you fraudulently diverted to your own use electrical power owned by Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) at No. 38, New Jerusalem Church Area, Agunbelewo, Osogbo, Osun State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 516 of Criminal Code Cap 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State Nigeria 2001 punishable under the same section.

“That you Chinonso Okeke, Male, Christian, 30 years of No. 38, New Jerusalem Church Area, Agunbelewo, Osogbo, Osun State and Mrs. Ibitoye Toyin, Female, Christian, 45 years of No, 38, New Jerusalem Church Area, Agunbelewo, Osogbo, Osun State on the 11 of May, 2020 in the Osogbo Magisterial district did commit a felony to wit: you fraudulently diverted to your own use electrical power owned by Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Agunbelewo at No. 38, New Jerusalem Church Area Agunbelewo, Osogbo, Osun State. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 400 of Criminal Code Cap 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State Nigeria 2001 and Punishable under the same section.

“That you Chinonso Okeke on the 11 May, 2020 at about 12:pm at Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Agunbelewo Service Center Agunbelewo office, Osogbo in the Osogbo Magisterial district did commit a felony wit: you unlawfully assaulted one Akintayo Folarin ‘M’ while performing his lawful duty by beating him and thereby committing an offence contrary to section 356 (5) Criminal Code Cap 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State Nigeria 2001 and Punishable under the same Section.”

The defence counsel, Kasiamobi Eze Nywoke applied for the bail of the accused persons in the most liberal term.

Eze Nywoke who assured the court that reliable sureties would stand for the accused persons said they were still presumed innocent until contrary is proved by a court of law.

He argued that the offences committed were bailable offences. He also assured that his clients will not jump the bail and will be provided in court when needed.

The prosecutor counsel, Bella Imoh Abidoye did not oppose to the plea by the defence counsel.

Magistrate Ayilara then granted the each of the persons #50,000 bail with one surety in likely sum.

He added that the sureties must be respectable persons in the society and their residences must be verified by the court.

The case was adjourned to July 1, 2020 for commencement of trial.