YEDC SEEKS SPECIAL COURT TO TRY ELECTRICITY OFFENCES IN ADAMAWA

Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has sought for a special court try electricity offenders and offences in Adamawa State.

According to company, the special court will adjudicate on electricity offences as provided by section 223(1) and (2) of the Electricity Act 2023.

The Management and Staff of YEDC sought for the special court when they paid a courtesy call on the Adamawa State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.

The YEDC team, led by Barr. 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 by 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.

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, promised 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.