DSS Arrests Man for Selling Free Electricity Meters in Asaba

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba have arrested one Aliu Junior Fayemi for allegedly diverting and selling meters meant for free distribution under the Federal Government’s Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP). The arrest followed a complaint by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) regarding the theft of meters intended for its customers.

The suspect reportedly sold the diverted meters to various individuals in Asaba, charging N145,000 for single-phase meters and N250,000 for three-phase meters, contrary to the program’s objective of providing meters at no cost to bridge the metering gap. BEDC confirmed that all diverted meters have since been recovered from the buyers.

Gboyega Agunlejika, Regional Head of BEDC in Asaba, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that the suspect has been handed over to the police for prosecution. He assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices involved in the illegal transactions.

In response to the incident, BEDC’s Acting Managing Director, Engr. Jonathan Lawani, advised customers to avoid patronising private individuals for meter procurement, even under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme. He urged the public to follow official channels to ensure transparency and accountability in the metering process.