MICHAEL AKINOLA
The problem associated with disconnection over electricity bills given by the distribution company, Ikeja Electric, has become a recurring decimal culminating into friction between the company and their customers in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the staff of Ikeja Electric company, Akinyo Adedamola, will not forget in a hurry his experience on 23rd January, 2024, when he went to disconnect light over electricity bill as he was brutally attacked and beaten up mercilessly by one of the tenants.
The incident happened at Olufunmiilayo Street in Oke-Odo area of Lagos, where Adedamola went to perform their official duty.
The 20-year old suspect, Bello Jamiu, has been arrested and charged for assault under the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
Trouble was said to have started after Adedamola went to the house and attempted to disconnect their light over accumulated estimated bills and Bello was said to have tried to explain to him why they will not be able to pay the estimated bill and should not disconnect their light.
According to the residents, the company has been bringing estimated bills for them to pay and the bills pilled up to the extent that it will be difficult to clear and thereby subject the tenants to undue extortion by the staff.
When the defendant reportedly wanted to explain to him, he refused to listen to him. And he as wanted to disconnect the light, Jamiu reportedly grabbed him and beat him silly before he was eventually rescued.
He was badly injured and was taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment while the matter was reported to the Police. The suspect, Jamiu, was then arrested and charged before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence.
He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Edema Mojirade, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, S.O. Salihu, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.