Outrage as Two Persons Arraigned for Assaulting Electricity Distribution Company’s Staff Member In Anambra

By Our Correspondent

There was outrage on Friday as two persons were arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Nnewi, Anambra State, for allegedly assaulting a staff member of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited during the course of his official duties.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Head, Communications of the Company, Izunna Okafor.

The defendants, Mr. Kingsley Chikeluba Okwueze, 39, and Mr. Nnamdi Adolphus Okwueze, 37, were on Thursday, February 26, 2026, arraigned before the Magistrate Court of Anambra State sitting in the Nnewi Magisterial District in Charge No. NMC/51C/2026.

They were docked following their alleged involvement in the assault of a FirstPower official during the discharge of his lawful duties.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on December 27, 2025, at Amakom Village, Ifite Oraifite, where the defendants and other persons now at large allegedly conspired and unlawfully assaulted the victim, Mr. Anya Charles Uzonna, a staff member working within the FirstPower electricity network coverage area.

The victim was reportedly beaten with fist blows, marched on, and physically assaulted, resulting in injuries that rendered him unconscious.

The five-count charge filed by the Commissioner of Police alleged conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, malicious damage to property, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, and illegal connection to electricity supply.

The charges were brought pursuant to relevant provisions of the Criminal Code Cap 36, Vol. II, Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991.

Specifically, the defendants were accused of conspiring to assault the company’s staff, unlawfully attacking him in the course of duty, maliciously damaging his personal property, including a mobile phone and power bank valued at ₦170,000, and engaging in illegal electricity connection, among other offences.

When the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, His Worship Lawrence Uzuodu, granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦800,000 each, with one surety each.

The matter was adjourned to April 30, 2026, for hearing.

FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited described the incident as disturbing, reiterating that assault on electricity workers performing their lawful duties is a criminal offence and a direct attack on public service delivery.

The company stated that such acts endanger personnel and undermine efforts to ensure safe, reliable and efficient electricity supply to customers.

Reacting, the Managing Director, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its prompt investigation and prosecution of the case, while reaffirming the company’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violence, vandalism and illegal electricity activities are brought to justice.

He also urged customers and members of the public to channel grievances through lawful and peaceful means rather than resort to violence, obstruction or illegal interference with electricity infrastructure.

He emphasised that the company holds the safety of its staff in high esteem and will continue to take all necessary legal and institutional measures to protect its workforce and critical infrastructure.

FirstPower further reiterated its commitment to delivering quality and efficient services to residents of Anambra State, stressing that its personnel deserve dignity and humane treatment.

Meanwhile, some electricity consumers who reacted to the development expressed mixed feelings. While condemning violence, some questioned the company’s billing practices and power supply.

One respondent said, “Between FirstPower and consumers, who assaults who? When there is no light and the bills are high, is that not also an assault? FirstPower’s own assault is hidden while others are taken to court.
God will judge everyone.”

Another called for improved service delivery and engagement between electricity providers and customers to prevent future conflicts.