A 58-year old trader, Ejide Ogunmiluyi, who is currently facing trial at an Ijede Magistrates’ Court in Ikorodu, Lagos State, over alleged by-passing of electricity meter in her house, has sought an out-of-court settlement with the electricity distribution company.
Ogunmiluyi is being tried for allegedly sharp practice with her electricity meter to avoid paying bills to Ikeja Electric.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Yomi Egunjobi, had told the court that the accused was caught cheating the company by-passing a meter in her house at Millenium Estate, Ikorodu.
He said the offence was committed on March 31at her residence resulting revenue loss to the company.
He said the offence contravened Section 321 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused had earlier been granted bail in the sum of N100, 000 with a surety in like sum.
Speaking to newsmen outside the court, the accused claimed ignorance of the law as regards the by-passing of the meter.
According to her, she only called an electrician to help her to connect the wire from the house to the pole.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Olakunle Ilesanmi, also appealed to the Ikeja Electric to allow out-of- court settlement, promising that the accused will not ‘’try it again.’’
Reacting to the accused’splea, an official of the Ikeja Electric, who pleaded anonymity, said it was the court that had the final decision on the issue.
Meanwhile, Mr Felix Ofulue, Head, Corporate Communications Unit of the company, has appealed to consumers within the zone to report energy theft in their communities.
Ofulue said the case should serve as a warning that the company would no longer take the issue of electricity theft lightly.
The case has been adjourned to July 13. (NAN)