Suspected vandal electrocuted in Rivers

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc has said a suspected vandal, identified as Khalifa, has been electrocuted while allegedly tampering with its infrastructure in Oginigba Community, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a statement on Tuesday, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, said the incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24, during an attempt to remove a component from a high-tension installation.

“The vandal who was reportedly in his late twenties was said to have died on-the-spot after disconnecting a pot insulator from a High-Tension pole,” the statement said.

According to PHED, the incident turned fatal when electricity was restored shortly after the suspected vandal had removed the equipment.

“It is a battle we must all fight collectively because once these installations are vandalised, invariably, the customers served become severely impacted,” Ilevbare said.

She described the deceased as “a victim of his own trade,” adding that the incident should serve as a warning to others involved in similar activities.

“It is hoped that the death of Khalifa, who paid the ultimate price with his life, will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities,” she added.

PHED also reminded the public that existing laws on electricity-related offences carry severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 21 years, while noting that investigations were ongoing to identify other suspects involved in vandalism within the area.

In a related development, the company announced the migration of Mbodo Aluu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to Band A, a classification that guarantees improved electricity supply.

Ilevbare said the upgrade would ensure a minimum of 20 hours of daily electricity supply, noting that the community previously operated under Band D and was connected to an 11kV feeder.

She explained that the upgrade involved the installation of new transformers and the replacement of key infrastructure components, including conductors, insulators, poles, and other fittings.

PHED said the intervention reflects its commitment to improved service delivery, while commending residents of Mbodo Aluu for settling outstanding electricity bills.