YEDC Seeks Judicial Support to Curb Electricity Offences in Adamawa
Management and Staff of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) have paid a courtesy call to the Adamawa State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.
The YEDC team, led by Barrister Blessing Urang and Maryam Bukar of the Legal Department congratulated the Chief Judge who happens to be the first female judge in the state and commended her for the positive reforms in the Adamawa Judiciary.
While on the visit, the team tabled three requests for consideration to the Hon. Chief Judge, aimed at enhancing the prosecution of electricity offenders and offences in the state.
The first request was to designate a special court within the State High Court Headquarters Complex for the trial of electricity offenders and offences, as provided by section 223(1) and (2) of the Electricity Act 2023.
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The second request was to impose the maximum prescribed punishments for electricity offences, ranging from fines of N100,000.00 to N1,000,000.00 and, or jail term of 2 to 6 years, as stated in sections 209 to 214 and 220 of the Electricity Act 2023.
The third request was to ensure that all customer issues submitted for adjudication before the Court comply with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) regulations and guidelines, particularly the NERC Customer Protection Regulation 2023.
The team said this would help to avoid unnecessary litigation and foster a harmonious relationship between YEDC and its customers.
Hon. Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, while commending YEDC for the courtesy, promise that all cases that do not pass through the channel of resolution would be struck out in the courts.
Justice Hafsat said there was no need for a special court to trial electricity offenders, saying any court YEDC cases are brought to would receive expeditious hearing and judgement.
She emphasized on the collaboration between YEDC and the judiciary and advised on increased sensitization on the processes of seeking customer redress before taking the issue to court.
Responding, Barrister Maryam Bukar explained that the sensitization and awareness on it have been ongoing but stressed that this would continue using other platforms for wider coverage.
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